Tuesday September 2, 2008
Lancet Journal Challenges the APA on Need for Counseling after Abortion
"The fact that some women do experience psychological problems after a termination should not be trivialized. ... Women choosing to terminate must be offered an appropriate package of follow-up care, which includes psychological counselling when needed."
By Kathleen Gilbert
LONDON, September 2, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - The Lancet, one of the most reputable medical journals in the world, has published a report that opposes the American Psychological Association's (APA) dismissal of abortion-related psychological trauma, and calls for post-abortion counseling as an important part of patient care, reports BioEdge.org.
The Lancet states that, "The fact that some women do experience psychological problems after a termination should not be trivialized. ... Women choosing to terminate must be offered an appropriate package of follow-up care, which includes psychological counselling when needed."
The August 23 article was published in response to a recent report by the American Psychological Association (APA) claiming that there is no meaningful connection between abortion and later psychological trauma. The 90-page report stated that a first-trimester abortion of an "unwanted" baby was no more likely to cause psychological harm than carrying the baby to term. (See http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/aug/08081303.html).
Critics of the APA, which has long been known for its advocacy of abortion as a civil right, pointed out that most of the members of the committee behind the report were publicly pro-abortion. (See http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/may/07050811.html)
Research published by the Elliott Institute supports The Lancet's call for post-abortive care with evidence that women commonly experience several psychological problems after abortion, including post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual dysfunction, suicidal thoughts, alcohol and drug abuse, and eating disorders.
For further resources see the Elliott Institute's website:
http://www.afterabortion.org/
See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
APA Panel Convened to Discuss Abortion After Effects is Stacked with Deniers
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/may/07050811.html
Abortion has no Negative Psychological Consequences: American Psychological Association
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/aug/08081303.html
Chair of APA Abortion Report Task Force Violates APA Ethics Rules
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/aug/08081307.html
APA Insider says Report on Abortion is a "Politically-Motivated Exercise" in Support of Legal Abortion
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/aug/08081805.html
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