Is abortion reproductive health care
Most people can agree that abortion is a woman’s health issue. But what about the rest of the population who have to deal with the aftermath?
While there are no exact figures available, it is estimated that around 4.9 million men in the U.S. have been indirectly affected by a woman’s decision to have an abortion. Here are some of the ways that men can be impacted by abortion.
Health Issues
According to research, men who were exposed to higher levels of hormones as children have a much greater chance of developing reproductive problems themselves. These include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Depression
- Decreased sperm count
- Androgenic alopecia
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Increased risk of breast cancer
- Increased risk of liver cancer
- Anemia
- Thyroid problems
- Increased alcohol consumption
- Sleep apnea
- Alcoholism
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lung cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Chronic fatigue
- Chronic pain
- Aggression
- Suicide
Mental Health Issues
There is also increasing research that suggests a link between abortion and mental health problems. For instance, people who had abortions as adolescents are more than twice as likely to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as women who didn’t have abortions. PTSD is a mental health condition that can result from exposure to dangerous situations or traumatic events. Research also shows that men who were sexually abused as children are at a greater risk of developing aggressive behavior and depression. For these reasons, it is critical for men to be aware of and understand the mental health links to abortion.
Financial Issues
If you’re a man with reproductive problems, you could face a financial crisis. Studies have shown that infertility is one of the major causes of marital break-up. In addition, about 70% of men who are married have been affected by infertility issues. If you’re struggling with infertility, your spouse might view your situation as a personal failure and refuse to help you out financially. If you’re not sure what financial help you might be entitled to, contact your local social services office or an infertile individuals support group that can help you navigate the world of infertility.
While there is no exact figure available, it is estimated that 4.9 million men have been affected by a woman’s decision to have an abortion. This figure might be underestimated since society often views men as the ‘provider’ and women as the ‘caretaker’ in the family. By recognizing the ways that abortion affects men, we can better understand the ripple effects of this societal norm.
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