Planned parenthood misleads on how abortion harms women.

In a statement released January 30, Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) medical director Vanessa Cullins claimed there are no emotional or psychological dangers for women to fear from abortion. "Most women feel relief after an abortion," she stated. "For more than 20 years, most scientific studies have found that emotional reactions to having [an] abortion are relatively positive." According to Cullins, concern about the psychological dangers has been raised by "anti-choice extremists [who] make false claims about this."

However, Steven Ertelt, editor of LifeNews.com, points out that it is Cullins' statements that are untrue. Ertelt cites, for instance, a major study by "pro-choice" researcher Professor David Fergusson, published in the Journal of Child Psychiatry and Psychology, which found that women who have abortions are more likely to become severely depressed. "Those having an abortion had elevated rates of subsequent mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, suicidal behaviors and substance use disorders," said Dr. Fergusson. "I'm pro-choice but I've produced results which, if anything, favor a pro-life viewpoint," Fergusson explained.

Dr. Fergusson's research adds to a growing body of scientific evidence, such as the major 2004 study by Dr. Priscilla Coleman published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence. "The scientific evidence is now strong and compelling," Dr. Coleman reported. "Abortion poses more risks to women than giving birth."