because they realized that every individual would have their own opinion, including those in the .
secondary research. Approximately 50% of the participants in the survey agreed that women who .
have prior psychological problems are more likely to have trouble coping with abortion, most of .
the other participants were neutral on the question( See Appendix D for graph of Statistics). This .
question is similar to the statement from Dr. Brenda Major (2003) when she explained that factors .
such as marital status or prior psychological problems may offer better explanations for the fact .
that psychiatric problems are more common among aborting women. She explains that for the .
recent surveys conducted, women who are having abortions should be screened thoroughly. .
In a study conducted by Paterson (1995) explained that women who had an abortion did .
not have an increased risk of psychological disorder compared with women who continued their .
pregnancy. Paterson stated that women who had an abortion and had prior psychological .
problems were at higher risk for Post Abortion Syndrome. Similarly, in women who continued .
their pregnancy but had prior psychological problems were more at risk at the end of their .
pregnancy. In the author's survey, the statement of: Women who follow through with their .
pregnancy are just as likely to experience negative psychological effects following the birth was .
agreed with in the most part (Approximately 45%).
A research conducted by Ellie Lee (1997) described many of the psychological after-.
effects of abortion. Some of the characteristics of Post Abortion Syndrome emotions are .
sad/sorrow, depression, anger, guilt, low self-image, repression and discomfort, feelings of .
craziness, thoughts of suicide, etc. Yet, another study conducted by the American Medical .
Association (1992) explains that some women may experience sensations of regret, sadness or .
guilt after an abortion, the overwhelming responses are relief and happiness.
