I always wonder about claims like this from both sides. I see people claiming pregnancy alters a woman's brain, miscarriages can cause postpartum depression, but then see claims that abortions do not effect the brain at all. The third I find hard to believe given the first two. And I know this is a touchy topic, but I am pro-choice yet find it a bit baffling that we ignore some of the science behind its effects on the brain and moods. Hormones are very powerful. If you are on either side of that fence, I think we can all agree that we want the woman to be well. I feel like writing off effects for political reasons does nothing but damage women (I think this is more U.S. than other countries.) Especially if we consider some women getting abortions are doing so for socio-economic reasons. If their brains are effected (they become depressed,) that is hurting their social standing even more. If we can identify that as a possible effect, then we can treat them.
A bit of a tangent, but it's something reading this prompted me to rant about.
The only thing I've read about the subject says that women who have abortions are happier and have better mental health in the long term than women who were denied an abortion. So the study isn't "women who have never been pregnant" vs. "women who had an abortion," but the headlines can sometimes make it seem that way. "Abortions are great for mental health!"
Also, according to the CDC, two thirds of abortions happen within the first two months of pregnancy, and 92 percent within 13 weeks. When we think of devastating/traumatic miscarriages, those are generally later. Many women miscarry without even knowing it.
If I had to hazard a guess, I would say that the "average" number of weeks at which women miscarry is somewhat lower than the "average" number of weeks at which women voluntarily abort a pregnancy, although there is a long tail to the left at which spontaneous miscarriages/stillbirths happen, causing higher rates of depression and/or hormonal complications. Also, there's the non-negligible effect of actually wanting a baby, vs. not wanting to carry a child -- it can have a profound effect on how your body reacts.
I've not actually seen anyone claiming that abortion has zero effect (though I assume you must have seen some such claim). What I have seen are denials that it causes long term depression, which is perfectly compatible with your points about pregnancy/miscarriage. But it's also the question that matters--if the comparison is miscarriage/giving birth, the question is whether it produces any excess psychological effects.
> I see people claiming pregnancy alters a woman's brain, miscarriages can cause postpartum depression, but then see claims that abortions do not effect the brain at all. The third I find hard to believe given the first two.
The reason a miscarriage can cause depression while an abortion usually does not is because the former is against a women's will and the other her choice. I find that quite obvious to be honest.
I am not an expert but I don't think postpartum depression happens because people consider all rational possibilities and conclude that depression is the most logical option. It happens to them because of physical changes during and after pregnancy. It's not like they can just will away those physical changes, or rationalize their way out.
Kind of like how with other types of depression the sufferer can intellectually understand why there is no reason to feel the way they do - but they still do.
A bit of a tangent, but it's something reading this prompted me to rant about.