Brook and FPA respond to review of abortion and mental health

The sexual health charities FPA and Brook welcome today’s publication of Induced Abortion and Mental Health (PDF), a systematic review published by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges.

In a joint statement they said:
“This review of evidence will reassure women who have had or are thinking about having an abortion that it’s a safe procedure with no direct impact on their mental health.

“It also supports our shared view (gained from years of experience) that mandatory counselling for women having an abortion, is patronising and completely unnecessary.

“Giving women accurate and honest information about abortion is essential and is something that FPA and Brook take extremely seriously. However, we know that misinformation about mental health can be used as a scare tactic by third parties, to try and deter women from considering abortion.

“We hope this new report will prevent this type of scaremongering and ensure women receive the non-judgemental support and information they need.”