Terminating a pregnancy does not appear to damage a woman’s mental health, according to research from the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI), the professional body for psychologists. The society, which said it supports repeal of the Eighth Amendment, published two papers commenting on the psychology of referendums and on the Eighth Amendment and mental health. In a paper, Referendums: On the Relevance of Psychology, the PSI highlighted that psychological health was as important as physical health and how, according to the research overall, “terminating a pregnancy does not appear to damage a woman’s mental health”. The second paper, entitled Five Facts on the Eighth Amendment and Mental Health, was researched by a number of PSI members specialising in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health. Women who choose abortion do so because of the negative effects of continuing the pregnancy on their mental health and that of their existing children and significant others;The overwhelming majority of women report feelings of relief after an abortion.

Source: The Irish Times May 11, 2018 16:52 UTC