How Does Abortion Affect Relationships?

An unplanned pregnancy can put a lot of strain on your relationship. You and your partner may disagree on the ideal solution. Perhaps you’re considering abortion and are wondering how it could affect your relationship.

Abortion is a significant decision that can leave a lasting impact on your relationship with your partner. It’s crucial to get the facts so that you can make the best choice for your future!

How Could Abortion Affect My Relationship with My Partner?

Abortion affects everyone in different ways. Some couples manage to process their emotions and move on successfully together. For others, the experience can be too overwhelming, and they eventually break up. That being said, studies have found that abortion tends to have damaging effects on relationships.

For example, one study found that couples who experience abortion were more likely to fight about children and money.[1] Additionally, women who had abortions were more likely to experience sexual dysfunction and domestic abuse.[2], [3]

While it’s impossible to predict exactly how abortion will affect your relationship specifically, it can be a negative turning point. It’s important to consider how abortion could impact you emotionally before moving forward.

What are the Emotional Side Effects of Abortion?

Abortion can be shocking and painful, both physically and emotionally. Women may experience grief, anxiety, and depression after an abortion[4], immediately or years later. On the other hand, others feel relieved and find it easier to move on.

Men can also face difficult emotions after their partner gets an abortion. It’s been reported that men feel like they have failed to protect and nurture their partners and their children.5 They may also experience sadness, depression, anger, and guilt.[6]

Things can get even more complicated if you and your partner have different feelings about the decision. If your partner wanted to be a parent, it may be hard for him to understand your relief. If he wanted you to terminate the pregnancy, he may not know how to support you through your grief.

Whatever the case may be, abortion can cause a lot of intense emotions and complicate a relationship. This can make it even harder to understand your partner, process your emotions, and work through disagreements.

How Can We Work Through Our Disagreements?

It can be difficult to navigate such a major decision, especially when disagreements occur. Sometimes, an outside perspective can shed light on options you may not have considered.

Reach out to The Pregnancy Decision Line to explore your pregnancy options together! We will help you come to a decision you both feel comfortable with, in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.

Get the Facts on Abortion at The Pregnancy Decision Line

This decision doesn’t have to derail your relationships. The Pregnancy Decision Line is here to help you find a solution together!

Give us a call at 866-406-9327 for more information. All services are confidential and free of charge!

All of our services are 100% free and confidential. We exist to provide accurate medical information and support to women and men facing an unplanned pregnancy. Our pregnancy centers do not offer or refer for pregnancy terminations or birth control. Information is provided as an educational service and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.