A newly released report by the American Psychological Association is drawing fire from family groups and pro-life advocates who say abortion, even one time, can cause considerable psychological harm to a woman.
"The American Psychological Association's so-called study is nothing more than a conclusion supported by opinions screened to match that predetermined outcome," said Georgette Forney, co-founder of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, in a statement Thursday.
Forney's criticism was directed at a draft report by the APA Task Force on Mental Health and Abortion which concluded that women who have a single elective first-trimester abortion do not have a higher risk of mental health problems than those who have their babies.
"There is no credible evidence that a single elective abortion of an unwanted pregnancy in and of itself causes mental health problems for adult women," the report, released Tuesday, stated. Mental health risks associated with multiple abortions is more uncertain, the panel found.
The report was accepted by the APA Council of Representatives at APA's Annual Convention in Boston on Wednesday.
Many weren't surprised by the report.
"This finding was expected given the composition of the APA task force (pro-choice in a pro-choice organization) but provides testimony to the bias of APA in not even meeting with groups who represent women who believe abortion did lead to significant mental health problems," said Dr. Warren Throckmorton, a psychology professor at Grove City College in Pennsylvania. "Several groups sought to meet with APA but were rebuffed."
Over 600 women who had an abortion asked to meet with the APA to discuss their experiences of abortion and depression. They were, however, dismissed.
"The APA brushed them off, just like it dismissed any scientific study that didn't agree with its agenda," said Forney, whose organization raises awareness about the harmful effects of abortion and has had 2,326 women and men share their testimonies around the world.
Forney and other pro-life groups believe the task force's review process of studies published since 1989 was biased and that the APA panel disregarded scientific research that shows the psychological harm an abortion can cause.
There were some studies that indicated experiences of sadness, depression and anxiety following an abortion for some women, the task force reported, but the panel concluded that it found "no evidence sufficient to support the claim that an observed association between abortion history and mental health was caused by the abortion per se, as opposed to other factors," such as poverty or a history of emotional problems.
Many believe otherwise.
"A number of studies have shown abortion in women to be associated with increased risks of major depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and suicidal behaviors," Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, commented Thursday. "The report ... ignores a substantial and growing body of evidence consisting of testimonies based on women's real-life experiences, as cited by the Supreme Court in the Gonzales v. Carhart decision last year which upheld the federal ban on partial-birth abortion."
Brenda Major, chair of the APA task force, said at the release of the report that the conclusions were drawn from "the best scientific evidence published." But at the same time, she and the panel acknowledged that many of the studies published during the period reviewed suffered "serious methodological problems" and called for better-designed research in the future. Continue >>
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Why are so many women determined to kill their Baby.? Why are so many Polititions determined to pass laws that will further the Death of unborn Babies.?
The Bible tells us that the time would come when many would be without " Natural " affection.
And once the deed has been acomplished, Then the devil steps back and allows the woman to see what has been done, then the guilt and condemnation floods in.
God help this Nation, Because God is going to judge us for the murder of unborn Babies.
I think it goes without saying this study didn't include the 1000s of women who go to church based recovery groups for the grief they go through after an abortion. Having witnessed this grief first hand I'd say this report was political and not medical.
Prophet:
All I can say after reading your comments is: "Amen, brother!
PAX
Tamna
Tamna,
I hear that. I remember when the ultrasound became an issue. The pro-life wanted to make it mandatory for prospective clients to see an ultrasound of the baby. They knew it would sway most of the girls to keep the baby. PP fought it adamantly. Because they knew the same thing. You see, Planned Parenthood doesn't give a rip about "Parenthood". When a pregnant girl comes in, the grab their tools and start seeing dollar signs. And they don't care for the girls either. Get 'em in! Get 'em done! Get 'em on their way!
Instead of Planned Parenthood, how about "Planned Murder"? Or "Planned Convenience". Perhaps they can offer a "Get out of pregnancy free" card for every 10th victim. Oops. I meant client.
I also agree with your assessment of all the potential geniuses and such that are being thrown down the toilet. One of them might have come up with a cure for AIDS...or cancer. But one woman's convenience is worth more than a world that may have been changed. Self-centered and selfish. If I may be so blunt to say about those who work in and support PP...I wish their parents practiced "choice" when they were pregnant.
Admittedly, I haven't read all the comments. So, if this is a duplication, my apologies. I have some questions that always come to mind when I think about murdering unborn children uhhhh, sorry, I mean "terminating an unwanted pregnancy."
The first is if there is no mental harm why doesn't Planned Parenthood want "clients" to have an ultrasound prior to the "termination." If I remember correctly, they said because it would unduly traumatize their clients (mothers). No mental harm? Hmmmmm.
Another question I have is I wonder how many potential Martin Luther Kings, Albert Einsteins, Jonas Salks, Mahatma Gahndis and Mother Teresa's have been murdered (gosh darn it there's that unPC word again), I mean "terminated," because they were inconvenient.
Finally, why is it that, statistically speaking, the most dangerous "job" in America is being an unborn child.
Where there is no truth, there is no love and Jesus doesn't reside there. For if they had known The Father, they would know and love The Son, but love was not in them and they rejected the Son. Had they not rejected the Son, they would have known that all life is to be cherished. All life, is for the glory of God.
Before a baby is born, a mother can feel the baby kick and move about. This is recorded in the Bible, and any woman who has been pregnant can tell you this. This is a fact of life. Each born this way, son and daughter of Man. To the daughter was given maternal instincts, she by her very design is the best child caregiver by far. To these were given the greatest gift with regards to the flesh, the carrying of the child, the tenderness and patience to care for the child, the love that only a mother can give. This is the greatest gift that few men realize. No man knows what it is like to deliver a baby, and have that baby put on your stomach. At that moment, for most women, the pain, worrying, anguish, discomfort seem distant from her. A new life, a new soul, a new beginning is laying there, and all at this moment surrounds this life, a creation of God. She is both overwhelmed and emboldened over the beauty of this creation.
This is inherit in all creation I believe. In the wild, a mother would protect her young to the death. This can be seen in women as well. She is a force to be reckoned with if one would attempt to take them from her arms.
This is truth, this is reality. By His design, not ours. We are just the fruits of this design, not the designers.
Beloved, in days gone by, a daughter could accidentally get pregnant out of wedlock. We are human and in a fallen nature, it does happen. In days gone by, the parents were furious at their daughter, but most did not abandon her. They were furious up to the day when they held that child for the first time, and knew of the life they were holding. No way was the infant at fault, and their anger at their daughter had fled.
But not anymore. Humans have now said that the parents don't need to know anymore because they can prevent the infant from even being born. They just kill it now before the birth.
So, now the daughter thinks that her trouble has ended, but she has been deceived. For they have just started. Only the coldhearted would not someday think what that child would have grown to be. Only those without love, where Jesus does not reside.
Professor,
Amen! I second that heartily. This country is morally bankrupt, and it will bring us (the US) to our knees. If we keep on the road we are travelling, we will fall.
When parents hearts are turned from their children (including unborn children), and the mother's natural tendency to love and protect her children's life is abandoned, then we are in grave danger.
For the love that a parent should have for their children is the same love that our Father has for us. And when that love is quenched, then we turn our backs on His love for us.
We cry patriotically "God bless America!", but our hearts betray us. Our mouths speak of God, but our hearts are far from Him. The road we travel is paved with self-love.
Oh God, if we would only repent!
VP HUCKABEE HELPS MCCAIN WIN in 2008!!
MIKE HUCKABEE IS A FIGHTER AND ONE OF THE GREATEST COMMUNICATORS OF OUR TIME!
Most American's DO NOT favor abortion. Nor do they wish to align themselves with factions dedicated in butchering innocent babies inside and outside the womb. And NO, that baby is NOT the women's body; it is a separate body with a separate heartbeat and separate brain activity. And YES, the unborn baby FEELS PHYSICAL PAIN as it is being ripped out of what should be the safest place on earth - mother's womb!
The Planned Parenthood abortionists lie to young women all the time just to get their money, while those ex-mothers and ex-fathers suffer emotional distress as they realize everyday that they have just allowed a child killer to convince them, not only to take their money, but also to kill their precious little baby. Abortion STOPS A BEATING HEART and the future of a civilization.
People weep and wail over the loss of a High School football player destined for a great professional career who had been gunned down by a random shooter, but yet we will never know the great deficit future generations will suffer for the loss of over 50 million innocent babies in this country alone. Shame on America for tolerating this horror ... and shame on its citizens for tolerating their personal complacency. Pro-choice is a lie - Babies do not choose to die!
Away with this archaic freakish, barbaric practice! It will soon be done away with, along with these fake pro-abortion polling numbers! As long as the president chooses judicial nominees his Vice-president better be pro-Life if he is ever going to win an election.
"A nation that cannot protect its most innocent and helpless citizens and the sanctity of human life is a weak nation that will utterly collapse economically, socially, relationally and entirely." - HMH
ATHEISM is a CATASTROPHIC FAILURE.
http://www.evolutionfacts.blogspot.com/
If I'm correct, abortion was originally designed to be used on women who's life was in danger from the pregnancy (which accounts for like only 4% of all abortions). But PP has cheapened life, and made it an option of convenience rather than neccesity.
"So you're pregnant. Ok. Well, if it's inconvenient, then just abort it. Can't afford to have kids? Don't worry about getting pregnant. If you do, just abort it. Do what you want, and not worry about the consequences. We'll let an innocent party be responsible for your stupidity."
blue, in this case for me personally it does not matter what pro-family or pro-life groups or those on the other side of the issue say since my view on this matter is based totally what I've experienced as both a Pastor and even while in the military in dealing with women who were struggling as the result of getting an abortion.
I love how when reports that are pro-Christian come out from highly respected organizations and associations, conservatives are galore. They praise the reports and use them as sources to continue their conservative beliefs. But, the minute an anti-Christian viewpoint peeks into the realm of real science and psychology, these family groups rave and act as though everyone's 'biased' and 'wrong.' Goes to show unacceptable they are.
Dongard,
It's a pity that you've taken back your apology with your latest post. But it's inconsequential. I can forgive you for your brash comments, attributing them to a stout defense of the principles of science.
But this forgiveness, irrational and unscientific as it may seem ("Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" was Jesus' expression in a throng of humanity that would never appreciate this element of forgiveness), is noble and good. Thus it appears that science can't garner all the answers to all the questions.
Do not sell short this "forgiveness" as some "polite speech" conducted in civil proceedings. It after all is the heart and sould to understanding Shakespeare's "the Tempest." After all, the plot revolves around Prospero's cunning use of magic to bring all his enemies who robbed him of his dukedom under his power, to bring to a climax that he has forgiven them. The twist in the plot is beyond prediction, and this makes the stunning "I forgive you," uttered after reviewing the villain's comtemptable activities the reason the play is a comedy, not a tragedy based on vindication.
Remind yourself that "science can't garner all answers." It is the rationale of the posters that have come to question the results of the survey. Don't be quick to attribute it to some mindless bias.
daniel, unfortunately I fear you're all to right on the consequences of post modern thinking as well as the impact of secular humanism on our society.
dongard, no one is arguing against your last post, what we are arguing against is the lie be presented by this so-called report saying that abortion does not cause considerable psychological harm in women.
I just received an e-mail from CareNet in response to this report. They shared that in 2006 alone they had over 13,000 women and men come to their centers to get help from having a past abortion.