Research methods underestimate the numbers of women negatively affected by abortion

Many researchers -- including those on opposing sides of the issue of psychological harm -- have exposed flawed research methodologies which are likely to produce underestimations of the numbers of women suffering adverse reactions to abortion. Some of these flawed methodologies are:

6a. Failing to account for the fact that -- when asked in a survey whether or not they have ever had an abortion -- up to 50% of women who have had abortions, do not admit to one.[26] This denial may itself be an indication of an adverse psychological response to abortion, yet these women are not accounted for in studies. In one poll, however, which did not ask individuals to answer any personal questions about abortion, 67% of women and 55% of men 18-29 chose "being involved in an abortion," as the number one situation that would make a person feel "bad about himself." [27]

6b. Following women's psychological state for too short a time after their abortions.[28] Often researchers attempt to measure women's state of mind very soon after the abortion, and not later. Immediately after abortion, women regularly report relief. But empirical evidence indicates that this relief "fades" over the next several months and years.[29] Also, overwhelming anecdotal evidence from post-abortion counseling programs reveals that women seek help for their suffering 5-12 years after their abortion.

6c. A high drop out rate (50% is common) of women between the time they are first asked about their reaction to abortion, and a second or third time weeks or months later. Furthermore, studies show that the women most likely to drop out are those more likely to be experiencing adverse reactions to their abortions.[30]

6d. Time variance problems. No survey asking a woman's emotional state at a given point in time can claim to show with certainty that the woman will continue to cope at a later time, or that she has not been distressed in the past.

6e. Using inaccurate measurements of post-abortion well-being. A good example: in a study by Nancy Russo, Ph.D., Russo measures "well-being" solely by the women's self-reported self-esteem.[31] This neglects completely to account for the fact that exceedingly high rates of self-esteem (which were found among post-aborted women in her study) could also be explained by the presence of narcissistic disorders, which post-abortion counselors have regularly noted in some of their clients.[32]

Aticle Here

 

Or support in any way those that do. May God give them mercy.