Reply #74: so you admit intent to manipulate?

[ant]

I think it's important that women know all the possible consequences of having one (namely the emotional impact)

And how do you know they don't?

And what, exactly, is this emotional impact? Is it the same for every woman? Is there research on the subject?

Do you also feel it's important that women know all the possible consequences of childbirth, namely the emotional impact?

For instance,
Significant psychiatric sequelae after abortion are rare, as documented in numerous methodologically sound prospective studies in the United States and in European countries. Comprehensive reviews of this literature have recently been performed and confirm this conclusion. The incidence of diagnosed psychiatric illness and hospitalization is considerably lower following abortion than following childbirth… Significant psychiatric illness following abortion occurs most commonly in women who were psychiatrically ill before pregnancy, in those who decided to undergo abortion under external pressure, and in those who underwent abortion in aversive circumstances, for example, abandonment."
-from "The Myth of the Abortion Trauma Syndrome." Journal of the American Medical Association, 1992, 268(15): 2078-2079, as cited here, emphasis mine.

And would you favor similar warnings and counseling for adoption?

While there has been little scientific research about the psychological consequences of adoption, researchers speculate that it is likely "that the psychological risks for adoption are higher for women than those for abortion because they reflect different types of stress. Stress associated with abortion is acute stress, typically ending with the procedure. With adoption, as with unwanted childbearing, however, the stress may be chronic for women who continue to worry about the fate of the child."
-Russo, NF. "Psychological Aspects of Unwanted Pregnancy and Its Resolution." In J.D. Butler and D.F. Walbert (eds.), Abortion, Medicine, and the Law (4th Ed., pp. 593-626). New York: Facts on File, 1992, from the same website as above, again, emphasis mine

Wow. It seems every choice carries potential physical and emotional problems. Are you as concerned about adoption and childbirth as you are about abortion?

With all the new technology available, particularly better and better ultrasounds and intrauterine photography, not to mention the wealth of knowledge we now have about fetal development, women are directly confronted with the life that's growing inside them. I think just seeing pictures like this could make a woman think twice before aborting her baby.

So then, as I stated in my subject line, your intent is to manipulate. You want to influence her decision in a way that suits you, so you show her certain pictures in order to do just that.

Newsflash: most women know what abortion is. The fact that they don't agree with you doesn't mean they're stupid or misinformed, it just means they don't agree with you and choose abortion over other options. You may not like that, but it's not really any of your business, is it?

And again, if you want to talk facts the fact is most abortions take place early in the first trimester when the "life inside them" is not the cute little human-looking creature this intent to manipulate requires. It is therefore dishonest and a lie to show a woman who is 6 weeks pregant a picture of a 15 week fetus.

Many women experience severe regret years into the future, especially after they go on to have wanted children. Knowing all the possible consequences is important before undergoing such a life-changing procedure.

This is simply not true. Please cite me the research - from a credible medical journal - that supports this assertion of yours.

Here's evidence to the contrary:

American Psychological Association. "APA Research Review Finds No Evidence of 'Post-Abortion Syndrome' But Research Studies on Psychological Effects of Abortion Inconclusive." Press Release, January 18, 1989.

Adler, NE, et al. "Psychological Responses After Abortion." Science, April 1990, 248: 41-44.

Adler, NE, et al. "Psychological Factors in Abortion: A Review." American Psychologist, 1992, 47(10): 1194-1204.

Russo, NF & KL Zierk. "Abortion, Childbearing, and Women's Well-Being." Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 1992, 23(4): 269-280.

Russo, NF. "Psychological Aspects of Unwanted Pregnancy and Its Resolution." In J.D. Butler and D.F. Walbert (eds.), Abortion, Medicine, and the Law (4th Ed., pp. 593-626). New York: Facts on File, 1992.

Stotland, N. "The Myth of the Abortion Trauma Syndrome." Journal of the American Medical Association, 1992, 268(15): 2078-2079.

David, HP. "Comment: Post-Abortion Trauma." Abortion Review Incorporating Abortion Research Notes, Spring, 1996, 59: 1-3.

Russo, NF & AJ Dabul. "The Relationship of Abortion to Well-Being: Do Race and Religion Make a Difference?" Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 1997, 28(1): 1-9.