Why Abortion Data Matters 

January 2025

Dr. Laura Lewis

Why Abortion Data Matters 

Abortion funding. Follow the numbers and assess the impact.
 
On January 28th, CTV News published an article, presumably to raise concerns about the potential loss of millions of dollars in funding for abortion access.^[1] The numbers reported state that Abortion Care Canada, a group with the goal of assisting individuals in accessing abortion services, received $2.2 million in government funding since 2021. Last year, this funding helped 450 people obtain abortions.
 
When considering reproductive choice and the use of government funds, it’s reasonable to ask how much financial support is available for those struggling with an unexpected pregnancy who do not want an abortion or are grappling with emotional distress after an abortion.
 
The truth is that very little taxpayer money goes directly toward helping these vulnerable women and families. Most financial assistance comes from charitable donations to local pregnancy care centres, yet the Liberal government has threatened to cut funding for these organizations by removing their charitable status—cutting off their primary source of financial support. This decision is based on misinformation and a lack of accurate research and data. 
 
There is a great need for support for alternatives to abortion. Consider that in 2023, the Pregnancy Care Canada network—which includes 81 pregnancy care centres and online support services—assisted over 48,855 client visits. Of these, 7,980 clients received material support, 2,066 babies were born, 1,481 individuals were helped through parenting programs, and 481 received post abortion care. Thousands more benefited from phone calls, text messages, and access to online resources. This incredible amount of vital support was offered free of charge and funded through charitable donations.
 
Emotional consequences of abortion. Follow the data.

This month, a study by Dr. David Reardon was published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology regarding the elevated suicide risk in women who have experienced an abortion.^[2] The study surveyed 2,829 American women aged 41-45 who were unaware of the specific focus of the research. The participants were asked about their history of suicide attempts and reproductive experiences. Based on their reproductive history, they were then asked to assess how their pregnancy outcomes—if at all—contributed to suicidal thoughts, self-destructive behaviours, or suicide attempts.
 
The findings were striking. Women who had experienced an abortion were twice as likely to have attempted suicide compared to other women, especially if they had experienced a coerced or unwanted abortion. 

Take a moment and let that sink in.
 
The research concludes that “Exposure to abortion, especially when the abortion is contrary to the values and preferences of the pregnant women, may contribute to higher rates of suicide attempts, suicidal thoughts, and self-destructive behaviors. These findings should be used to improve both pre-abortion screening and counseling and post-abortion care.”^[3]

For those working at pregnancy care centres, sadly, the results of this research does not come as a surprise. They have witnessed the emotional consequences of abortion. They have seen that many women choose abortion not as a preference, but as a response to external pressures, difficult circumstances, or lack of support.
 
Data informed conclusions.
 
We must look at the data regarding abortion and the emotional consequences that may result. It is time for research, not assumptions, to determine funding decisions about how best to support women in crisis.
 
Reproductive choice must include viable alternatives to abortion.
 
Abortion is not a harmless procedure. 
 
Suicide prevention must consider all contributing factors. 
 
Abortion data matters. It should inform how we provide support and allocate resources to best serve vulnerable women and families, both in our nation and abroad.