Study Provides More Evidence Woman’s Protection Act Needed in Wisconsin

Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) and Rep. Michelle Litjens (R-Oshkosh) are poised to introduce a bill in the Wisconsin legislature called the Woman’s Protection Act.  A newly-released landmark study by Priscilla Coleman from Bowling Green State University, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, provides overwhelming evidence for the need for this legislation.

Coleman reviewed 22 previous studies published over a 14 year period on abortion and mental health which include data on 877,181 women from six countries, 19% of whom had an abortion.

According to a news release from Americans United for Life, “The results revealed moderate to high increased risk of mental health problems after abortion.  Women with a history of abortion had an 81% higher risk of subsequent mental health problems.   More specifically, the study found that women with a history of abortion had an increased risk of anxiety (34% higher), depression (37% higher), alcohol (110% higher), marijuana use (220% higher), and suicidal behavior (155% higher).”

These numbers are staggering and corroborate the anecdotal stories heard from women every day in right-to-life Pregnancy Help Centers and here at Wisconsin Right to Life.   By trying to “protect” a woman’s “right to choose,” proponents of abortion are ignoring a significant and very real mental health issue for women.

Wisconsin Right to Life applauds Senator Lazich and Rep. Litjens for having the vision to provide more information to women prior to the  irreversible act of abortion.   The time has come for the Woman’s Protection Act, and we are honored to work with Lazich/Litjens to protect women from the devastating impact of abortion.

Read more about the Woman’s Protection Act here.

Barbara Lyons