Citation

Ney P. Can. J. Psychiatry 1979; 24(7): 610-620.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1979, Canadian Psychiatric Association, Publisher SAGE Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

519627

Abstract

Although permissive abortion has been advocated on the grounds it will reduce the prevalence of child abuse and infanticide, there is no evidence to prove it has. There is a growing concern that it may have contributed to the problem. This article outlines eight possible methods whereby an increasing rate of abortion will lead to an increasing rate of abuse. There is evidence that an abortion results in depression which hinders mother-infant bonding in a subsequent pregnancy. An abortion of the first pregnancy may interrupt the developing bonding mechanism and interfere with the ability to bond to the next infant. If the hypothesis is correct, medicine by endorsing abortion on request may be jeopardizing the safety and care of a large number of children.

Language: en