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The Psychological Consequences of Abortion: Grief, Sexual Disorders and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Women With a History of Legal and Illegal Abortion Based on the Cases Referred to the General Department of Forensic Medicine of Khorasan Razavi, Iran
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Behnaz ُSafari1    , Fatemeh Safaie2 , Zohreh Edalati Shateri3 , Akram Fotovat4 , Shahrbanoo Aali5 |
1- General Department of Forensic Medicine, Khorasan Razavi Province, Mashhad, Iran
2- Farkhak Comprehensive Health Services Center, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
3- Department of Clinical Psychology, Mashhad Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
4- Legal Medicine Research Center, Iranian Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
5- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran , aali@um.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (17 Views) |
Introduction: Unwanted pregnancy remains a significant challenge for women. Despite advances in contraceptive methods, no method is completely reliable. In such situations, abortion may be considered a possible option, yet it carries substantial physical and psychological risks, which may be further intensified when performed illegally. This study aimed to compare the psychological consequences of abortion under legal versus illegal circumstances.
Methods: This study employed a descriptive, causal-comparative design. The study population included all women seeking abortion who were referred to the Forensic Medicine Department of Khorasan Razavi Province between October and June 2022. A total of 70 participants were selected using a convenience sampling method: 35 women who had undergone legally approved abortions and 35 who had abortions without legal permission. Participants completed the Grief Experience Questionnaire (GEQ), the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).
Results: Results from the multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant differences between the two groups in sexual dysfunction (F=34.98, P=0.001), grief (F=58.69, P=0.001), and post-traumatic stress disorder (F=67.84, P=0.001).
Conclusion: The findings indicate that the psychological impact of abortion is less severe when responsibility for the decision is shared between the mother and her in-laws. These results highlight the importance of providing both psychological and legal support for women facing unplanned pregnancies and abortion. |
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| Keywords: Induced abortion, Legal abortion, Illegal abortion, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Psychological sexual dysfunction |
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Type of Article: Research Article |
Subject:
Forensic Psychiatry
Received: 2025/04/28 | Revised: 2025/09/14 | Accepted: 2025/09/14
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