The Good Counsel Network

Research on the possible physical and psychological risks of abortion
When speaking with mothers and fathers on the subject of abortion, the Good Counsel Network endeavours to present the facts of abortion to them. Included in these facts are the possible physical and psychological risks linked with abortion. Below are links to research papers on these risks.
Breast Cancer
The Good Counsel Network acknowledges that there is no consensus in the medical community on the possible link between abortion and breast cancer. However, there are numerous studies which highlight a possible link. When speaking of the risks of abortion, it would be remiss not to at least mention this research.
• A meta-analysis of 36 studies from 2013, showing a 44% increased breast cancer link amongst women who have had at least one abortion:
• A review from 2014 of 72 epidemiological studies, conducted over 50 years in multiple countries and cultures:
• A paper published in 2017, calling for the recognition of risks caused by abortion and hormonal contraception:
Perforation of the uterus or cervix
• A paper which states that abortion (TOP - Termination of Pregnancy) is the most common procedure associated with uterine perforation:
The perforated uterus - Fevzi Shakir MBBS BSc MRCOG, Yasser Diab MBCHB MSc MRCOGb
Depression or thoughts of suicide/Increased mortality rate after abortion:
• Finnish study from 1987-1994 showing suicide rates to be three times higher amongst women who had undergone abortions compared to those who gave birth:
• A study from 2002 showing that, "[c]ompared with women who delivered, those who aborted had a significantly higher age-adjusted risk of death from all causes"
• Report which notes a "...worldwide risk of maternal suicide following termination of pregnancy and, in fact, a higher risk than that following term delivery"
• A study from 2012 showing "[I]ncreased risks of death were 45%, 114% and 191% for 1, 2 and 3 abortions, respectively, compared with no abortions after controlling for other reproductive outcomes and last pregnancy age"
Feelings of sadness, loneliness, guilt, grief, doubt and regret following abortion
• Dimension's of women's postabortion experience - Hess RF
Particularly traumatic feelings after abortion for foetal abnormality
Premature delivery in subsequent pregnancies
• An analysis from 2015 which assessed 21 cohort studies, including nearly two million women and found that D&C abortion increased preterm birth in subsequent pregnancies by 29% and very preterm birth by 69%.