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 https://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 https://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:
https://www.afterabortion.org/

See related LifeSiteNews.com coverage:

APA Panel Convened to Discuss Abortion After Effects is Stacked with Deniers
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/may/07050811.html

Abortion has no Negative Psychological Consequences: American Psychological Association
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/aug/08081303.html

Chair of APA Abortion Report Task Force Violates APA Ethics Rules
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/aug/08081307.html

APA Insider says Report on Abortion is a “Politically-Motivated Exercise” in Support of Legal Abortion
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2008/aug/08081805.html