Feeling Pressured to Abort? You Are Not Alone!

“Hidden Epidemic: Nearly 70% of abortions are coerced, unwanted, or inconsistent with women’s preferences.”

In a time when women should feel powerful, strong, and independent, this is a shocking headline to read — but it’s not the first.

A second study from Lozier Institute Unwanted Abortion Studies stated that over 60% of women who had abortions reported high levels of pressure to abort from one or more sources. Those same women report higher levels of subsequent mental health and quality of life issues.

Let’s Break It Down: What Does This Mean?

1. You are not alone.

The majority of women who end up having an abortion tell you it wasn’t their desire to do so.

  • A recent peer-reviewed study conducted by CLI scholars titled The Effects of Abortion Decision Rightness and Decision Type on Women’s Satisfaction and Mental Health by David Reardon, Katherine Rafferty, and Tessa Longbons (May 11, 2023) found that only 1/3 of abortions are wanted.

  • Could it be, we resist because we instinctually know we were designed to create life, not end it?

If you’re facing pressure, know there are supportive places like the Gate Pregnancy Resource Center and other pregnancy resource centers near me that are ready to help.

2. Women consider others before themselves.

  • The Charlotte Lozier Institute’s Fact Sheet: Abortion and Mental Health (September 13, 2023) highlights that abortion is harmful to many women’s mental health, increasing the likelihood of anxiety, depression, substance abuse or overdose, excessive risk-taking behavior, self-harm, and suicide.

  • During a time when we assume women in the U.S. freely choose abortion and consider it to have been the best decision for them, all things considered, why are we just hearing that women don’t want abortions and that those who have had one suffer?

  • Do we simply go along with it because our community, the voices that speak to us, and even pop culture tell us we should?

  • In the January 31, 2023, research by David Reardon and Tessa Longbons titled Effects of Pressure to Abort on Women’s Emotional Responses and Mental Health, they found that perceived pressure to abort was strongly associated with more negative emotions, disruption of work and relationships, feelings of loss and grief, and a decline in overall mental health.

Choosing the right path for yourself often starts with reaching out for free pregnancy testing in Charlotte, NC or scheduling an abortion consultation in Charlotte, NC to talk through your options without pressure.

3. Pro-Abortion voices are easier to find.

  • On March 13, 2024, in the quiet state of Missouri, where abortions are banned, Olivia Rodrigo concertgoers were in for a surprise. Frustrated with the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Rodrigo partnered with Missouri Abortion Fund and provided emergency contraceptive pills, stickers, and information about abortion to all attendees.

  • In recent years, up to 40% of Planned Parenthood’s funding comes from the federal government.

What Do We Do With All of This?

Consider yourself first.
Let’s be honest, we don’t know if he will stick around or not, but you will be left with the consequences of any decision made.

Here’s a good way to make your decision:

1. Remove yourself from unwanted dialogue.

Understand that women, just like you, feel the pressure to abort from those around them.
You don’t need their approval or applause. You need to be at rest with yourself!

  • Reach out to a pregnancy services provider in Charlotte, NC like Gate Pregnancy Center.

  • Make an appointment, and just listen.

  • They have facts, but they also have resources and referrals that could help you make a decision you can live with.

2. Put yourself first.

Stop trying to please everyone and do a little soul searching.

  • Does it matter what they say when you’re the one living with the decision?

  • Do you really need their approval when you don’t even know if they will be around next week, next month, or next year?

  • Ask yourself what you can live with.

  • Find out the complications of chemical and surgical abortions.

  • Gain more knowledge: What are my options? Who can help me?

  • Reach out to a pregnancy resource center near me and make an appointment to answer these questions and more.

3. Is the loud voice always right?

Loud is hard to avoid. Demanding is difficult to ignore. Fear seems to grip us when we feel loud and demanding.

Set yourself free. Loud doesn’t equal correct — it’s just loud.

  • When was the last time someone screamed at you? Think about it: were they right or just loud?

Our society no longer cares what the facts are; they just intimidate us into believing what they want us to believe.

  • Get by yourself in a calm, quiet place.

  • If you pray, pray. Otherwise, sit and ask for wisdom.

  • Ask yourself:
    What should I do? What can I do? Who can help me achieve this?

  • Then reach out to a Gate Pregnancy Resource Center or similar peaceful place that can help you think clearly.

What do you have to lose?