Abstract

PIP: A report is made on a study by H.S. Greer and his collaborators which is said to be the 1st study of the psychological sequelae of abortion since the 1968 British Abortion Act was passed. 360 women in consecutive series who were aborted in the first trimester by vacuum aspiration were studied. Compared with ratings before termination, significant improvement occurred in respect to psychiatric symptoms, guilt feelings, and interpersonal and sexual adjustment. Comparisons between those aborted and those refused abortions have shown little difference, although those refused may show a marginally greater frequency of sequelae. The most important elements in protecting a woman from psychological sequelae resulting from a decision either for or against termination are the care with which the decision is reached and the degree of support afterwards.