Is there an increased risk of adverse long term physical or emotional outcomes after having an abortion?
No. Induced abortion is not a risk factor for future cancers or psychological sequelae. Numerous medical organizations (namely, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society and the World Health Organization, among others) have found no causal relationship between induced abortion and breast cancer, and gynecological or non gynecological malignancies. Some studies suggest a small decrease in the risk of endometrial and ovarian cancers. The American Psychological Association and recent reviews of the literature confirm that the most rigurous studies show no association between induced abortion and major psychiatric disorders. No credible evidence supports a syndrome of lasting psychological trauma after abortion. Tens of millions of abortions have been provided in the USA, and no such sequelae have emerged. The most common emotional response to abortion is a sense of relief.
