Abortion
Myths

Even though there are accurate facts about abortion being safe, false information about abortion is spread and upheld by state laws, the media, anti-abortion rhetoric, abstinence education programs, and crisis pregnancy centers (Berglas et al., 2017).

Abortion stigma can play a role in preventing individuals from obtaining accurate information about abortion laws and services

(Moore et al., 2021).

5 Common Abortion Myths

(That are often used in state-mandated documents)
(Berglas et al., 2017)

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These myths are completely inaccurate and are promoted in state-mandated “informed consent” scripts which some states require abortion providers to give (Berglas et al., 2017).

Conventionally, informed consent ensures that patients have the right to medical information that is complete and accurate so that thoughtful decisions can be made. The core of informed consent is providing unbiased, evidence-based, and accurate information on the risks and benefits to medical treatment (Berglas et al., 2017).

Knowingly spreading misinformation violates the fundamental basis of informed consent and can be unethical (Berglas et al., 2017).

The Facts:

  • Abortion does not result in breast cancer

  • Depression and anxiety are not caused by having an abortion

  • Abortion does not cause infertility, nor has any effect whatsoever on whether or not an individual can become pregnant in the future

  • Abortion is safer than childbirth in the United States

  • Most individuals do not regret their abortions—in fact, most people feel relieved

(Berglas et al., 2017)

Kumar et al., 2009)

Many different people get abortions

  • There is a myth that mostly teens get abortions. But mothers and people of all ages get abortions.

  • People of all religions and all cultures get abortions.