An unplanned pregnancy can put a lot of strain on your relationship. You and your partner may disagree on the ideal solution. Perhaps you’ve considered abortion, and are wondering how it could affect your relationship.
Abortion is a significant decision that can leave a lasting impact on your relationship with your partner. It’s crucial to get the facts so that you can make the best choice for your future.
How Could Abortion Affect My Relationship with My Partner?
Abortion affects everyone in different ways. Some couples manage to process their emotions together and keep the relationship intact. For others, the experience can be too overwhelming, and they eventually break up. That being said, studies have found that abortion tends to have damaging effects on relationships.
For example, one study found that couples who experience abortion were more likely to fight about children and money[1]. Men whose partners had an abortion report feelings of jealousy[1]. Additionally, women who had abortions were more likely to experience sexual dysfunction and domestic abuse[1].
While it’s impossible to predict exactly how abortion will affect your relationship with your partner, it can be a negative turning point. It’s important to consider how abortion could impact you emotionally before moving forward.
What are the Emotional Side Effects of Abortion?
Abortion can be shocking and painful, both physically and emotionally. Women may experience grief, anxiety, and depression after an abortion[2], immediately or years later. On the other hand, others feel relieved and find it easier to move on.
However, things can still get complicated if you two have different opinions about the decision. If your partner wanted to be a parent, it may be hard for him to understand your relief. If he wanted you to terminate the pregnancy, he may not know how to support you through your grief.
Whatever the case may be, abortion can cause a lot of intense emotions and complicate a relationship. This can make it even harder to understand your partner, process your emotions, and work through disagreements.
How Can We Work Through Our Disagreements?
It can be difficult to navigate such a major decision, especially when disagreements occur. Sometimes, an outside perspective can shed light on options you may not have considered.
Consider visiting The Pregnancy Resource Center to explore your pregnancy options together. We will help you come to a decision you both feel comfortable with, in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.
Can Abortion Cause Domestic Violence?
Perhaps there are other struggles in the relationship aside from disagreements. You may be scared that an abortion decision could lead to abuse.
Unfortunately, partner conflict regarding abortion is more likely among abusive men[3]. Additionally, men’s attempts to both restrict and encourage abortion can lead to intimate partner violence[3].
Coercion and abuse are unacceptable—period. You deserve love, support, and peace of mind as you make your pregnancy decision. If you’re experiencing domestic violence through an unplanned pregnancy, please contact My Sister’s Place immediately to get help.
Get the Facts on Abortion at The Pregnancy Resource Center
This decision doesn’t have to derail your relationship. The Pregnancy Resource Center is here to help you find a solution together.
Give us a call at (740) 592-4700 or schedule your appointment online today. All services are free and confidential.
Please be aware that The Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Coleman, P. K., Rue, V. M., & Coyle, C. T. (2009, March 26). Induced abortion and intimate relationship quality in the Chicago Health and Social Life Survey. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19324381/
- Shuping, M., & Shaler, L. (2017). Abortion and Women’s Mental Health. CounselEd (3)11. https://www.scstatehouse.gov/CommitteeInfo/SenateMedicalAffairsCommittee/Shuping%20_Shaler_2017_Abortion_and_Mental_Health.pdf
- Silverman, J. G., Decker, M. R., McCauley, H. L., Gupta, J., Miller, E., Raj, A., & Goldberg, A. B. (2010, August). Male Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence and Involvement in Abortions and Abortion-Related Conflict. American Journal of Public Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2901296/