Doctors and psychologists warn of the importance of women who want to have an abortion having information about its consequences, not only physical but also emotional.
The initiative seeks to follow in France's footsteps.
On Monday, the leaders of the government also urged four autonomous regions (Aragon, Asturias, the Balearic Islands and Madrid) to implement the registers of conscientious objectors provided for in the latest reform of the law, in order to ensure that abortions are performed in public hospitals.
The political controversy began last week when the Madrid City Council approved a proposal put forward by hard right Vox – with the support of the Conservative Party PP and the rejection of the Social Democrats PSOE and leftists Más Madrid – for women who decide to voluntarily terminate their pregnancy to receive information about the “post-abortion syndrome”.
The measure generated great controversy, as the central government responded by stating that this syndrome “does not exist” as a recognised clinical diagnosis and announced that it would consider taking legal action to stop what they called an “extortion” of women.
Following the controversy, the Popular Party mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, clarified that “post-abortion syndrome” is not a recognised scientific category and assured that the City Council will not force any woman to receive information she does not want.
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Experts question the government
However, various experts, doctors and psychologists warn that there are psychological and emotional consequences after induced abortion.
In this regard, X. Manuel Suárez, an evangelical doctor, wrote in Spanish newspaper Protestante Digital expressing his disagreement with the government’s stance.
“There are many studies that demonstrate this harsh reality; and, to leave no doubt, the risk of depression is higher in induced abortions compared to spontaneous ones”, Suárez states.
The president of the Madrid Medical Association, Manuel Martínez-Sellés, also warned about the consequences of abortion in an article published in newspaper El Debate. “Beyond the physical, induced abortion can have emotional and psychological consequences”, he says.
“To ignore that abortion, like any pharmacological or surgical procedure, can have negative effects is contrary to reason, clinical practice and scientific evidence. Making these risks known, always with respect and without stigmatisation, is essential for women to be able to exercise their right to informed consent”, he explains.
Martínez-Sellés also regrets the pressure that, he says, some doctors are receiving to limit “truthful information”, a principle he considers “a fundamental pillar of medical practice”.
The lack of this information, he warns, can have “disastrous consequences”.
Martinez-Sellés, president of the Madrid Medical Association./Wikipedia, own edition
Calum Miller: many need support after abortion
British doctor and researcher Calum Miller, who specialises in medical ethics, pointed out in an interview published with Evangelical Focus that women’s emotional reactions to abortion vary. Although women initially experience relief at ending an unwanted pregnancy, over time they often experience feelings of guilt, sadness or grief. He points out that several studies show that the negative effects tend to increase over the years, so limiting the analysis to the short term “silences the stories of many women who suffer afterwards and need support and accompaniment”.
In his research, Miller states that there is scientific evidence of a link between abortion and various mental health problems, including higher levels of anxiety, alcohol or drug use, and an increased risk of suicide. He emphasises that even studies conducted by pro-abortion organisations recognise that some women develop post-traumatic stress disorder or serious emotional consequences. In addition, he points to a possible connection between abortion and premature birth in subsequent pregnancies, which can affect both the health of the baby and the well-being of the mother.
Tweet This: There is scientific evidence of a link between abortion and various mental health problems.
In 2024, 106,172 abortions were performed in Spain, an increase of almost 3% over the previous year. 94% of abortions are performed at the request of the woman; 2.6% due to serious risk to the life or health of the pregnant woman, 2.4% due to serious foetal abnormalities, and 0.27% due to foetal abnormalities incompatible with life.
“Induced abortion is often a woman's best-kept secret”
The so-called ‘post-abortion’ syndrome is a subject of debate, but psychologist Susana Macías, director of the Aesvida association, maintains that there is evidence of trauma in a significant number of women.
“In clinical and pastoral practice, these cases are frequently encountered. Symptoms vary, but often include deep sadness, persistent guilt, anxiety, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, or self-destructive ideas. Physical symptoms—such as pain or fatigue—and spiritual disconnection may also appear, including the fear that forgiveness is not possible”, she explains.
Macías clarifies that one cannot speak of a universal syndrome that affects all women equally, as each case depends on personal history, emotional resources, and social support. However, she acknowledges that silence and stigma hinder both research and emotional healing.
“Abortion is often one of a woman's best-kept secrets. Many remain silent out of shame or fear, and that complicates studies and emotional recovery”, she notes.
She adds that the political context in many countries limits funding for research on the possible adverse psychological effects of abortion.
For her, recognising this reality is essential to providing accurate information before abortion and opening spaces for psychological and spiritual support for those who have already gone through the experience.
Aesvida: Comprehensive restoration
Aesvida has been running the ‘Life in Abundance’ retreats for over a decade, providing a space of restoration for women who have had abortions.
“Almost 200 women have already received our help, and I can say that all of them experience great restoration”, says Macías.
“As a psychologist, I was never taught in university that this trauma existed. I learned from them, from their pain and their deep grief. Many were suffering from blocked grief: a persistent sadness and guilt that they could not express for fear of being judged”, she explains.
In these spaces, participants can acknowledge their loss, mourn it, and open themselves to forgiveness and reconciliation with God. “The success of Vida en Abundancia lies in giving voice to what was forbidden to express and in showing that, even after such a deep wound, it is possible to find forgiveness, comfort and restoration”, she says.
Editor's note: This article was published by Evangelical Focus and is reprinted with permission.
