Myth: People who choose to terminate a pregnancy don’t need care

Many individuals who undergo termination of pregnancy, including those facing a diagnosis of fetal anomaly or who have an early abortion, may experience intense grief, trauma, and emotional distress (39,40).

The sense of loss can be worsened by a lack of societal or institutional recognition, and minimal support for the logistics and emotional aftermath of termination of pregnancy. It is important to acknowledge that this doesn’t mean people regret their decision to end the pregnancy; rather, they regret having to make the decision. Direct accounts from patients and clinicians reveal profound emotional challenges and isolation following termination of pregnancy, regardless of the reason or timing (41,42).

National reviews, clinical research, and personal narratives show the importance of compassionate, accessible, and structured care for people who decide to have a termination of pregnancy (40).

Studies show that appropriate bereavement support after termination of pregnancy helps people process loss, remember their experience in individually relevant ways (41,42).

References

(39) Manninen BA. Grief after miscarriage and abortion: A pro-choice response. Women’s Reproductive Health. 2024;11(3):537–54.

(40) O’Shea M. The Independent Review of the Operation of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018. 2023. Available from: https://gov.ie/en/department-of-health/publications/the-independent-review-of-the-operation-of-the-health-regulation-of-termination-of-pregnancy-act-2018/.

(41) Jackson P, Power-Walsh S, Dennehy R, O’Donoghue K. Fatal fetal anomaly: Experiences of women and their partners. Prenatal Diagnosis. 2023;43(4):553–62.

(42) Power S, O’Donoghue K, Meaney S. Experiences of volunteers supporting parents following a fatal fetal anomaly diagnosis. Qualitative Health Research. 2021;31(5):835–46.