WASHINGTON — Following is a statement by Jennifer F. Kelly, PhD, president of the American Psychological Association, in response to the implementation of a law in Texas banning most abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy:
“The American Psychological Association is very concerned about the impact of the Texas law on the mental health of women experiencing unwanted pregnancies. The association has a long history of supporting a woman’s right to choose as a basic civil right. Our position is based on scientific research showing that women who are denied abortions are more likely to experience higher levels of anxiety, lower life satisfaction and lower self-esteem compared with women who are able to obtain abortions. Laws restricting access to safe, legal abortions are most likely to affect low-income women, women of color, and sexual and gender minorities, as well as those who live in rural or medically underserved areas. Research also suggests that adding barriers to accessing abortion services may increase symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.
“There are seven million women of child-bearing age in Texas, many of whom will now face insurmountable obstacles if they need an abortion. Research published in the American Journal of Public Health showed that experiencing unwanted pregnancies appears to be strongly associated with poor mental health effects for women later in life. Laws like this one will increase the chances that women will seek abortions outside of legal channels and cause many women to carry unwanted pregnancies to term, with potential long-term mental health consequences.
“We believe the Texas law is unconstitutional and look forward to seeing it challenged on the merits and ultimately overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court.”
APA has long been a strong and consistent voice for access to reproductive health services. The association has passed four policies or resolutions since 1969 affirming a woman’s right to choose and negating assertions regarding the alleged adverse psychological effects of abortion. APA has also filed 11 amicus curiae briefs in cases involving abortion.
For more information regarding APA’s advocacy and the science surrounding women’s reproductive health, visit the Abortion topic page.