David M. Fergusson

David M. Fergusson is a professor of psychology at the University of Otago in Christchurch New Zealand. He is the founding director of the Christchurch Health and Development Study, a study following a birth cohort of 1265 children born in the Christchurch region in 1977. The cohort has been studied through infancy, adolescence, and as adults. Over 350 studies have been published regarding that cohort in the fields of medicine, psychology, sociology, and health economics. ^[1]

Abortion Studies

Fergusson has published a number of studies regarding abortion and mental health.^{[2] [3] [4] [5]}

A self-described pro-choice atheist and rationalist.^{[6] [7]}, he undertook his first investigation with the expectation that his cohort data would prove that the apparent link between abortion and mental health problems would be explained by pre-existing factors.^[8][9] Instead, his data revealed that abortion was an independent "risk factor for the onset of mental illness."^[8]

The study found abortion was linked to higher rates of depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, and suicidal behaviors. At age 25, 42% of the women in the cohort had experienced major depression during the previous four years, twice that of other women.^[7][9]

While retaining a pro-choice position, Fergusson's research has convinced him that: "Abortion is a traumatic life event; that is, it involves loss, it involves grief, it involves difficulties. And the trauma may, in fact, predispose people to having mental illness."^[6]

Fergusson also reported experiencing difficulties getting his study published since the results contradicted the prevailing view that abortion does not have mental health consequences.^[8] Claiming that his studies are normally accepted the first time, Fergusson reported that the first of his studies on abortion was rejected by four journals because of the controversial nature of his findings. He was also asked to not publish the results by New Zealand's Abortion Supervisory Committee, the government agency responsible for regulating compliance with the country's abortion laws. He refused to comply with the request because he felt it would be "scientifically irresponsible" to hide the findings.^[9]

References

1. ^ University Description
2. ^ Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, L. J., & Ridder, E. M. (2006). Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 47(1), 16-24.
3. ^ Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, L. J., & Boden, J. M. (2008). Abortion and mental health disorders: Evidence from a 30-year longitudinal study. British Journal of Psychiatry, 193(6), 444-451.
4. ^ Fergusson, D. M., Horwood, L. J., & Boden, J. M. (2009). Reactions to abortion and subsequent mental health. British Journal of Psychiatry, 195(5), 420-426.
5. ^ Boden, J. M., Fergusson, D. M., & Horwood, L. J. (2009). Experience of sexual abuse in childhood and abortion in adolescence and early adulthood. Child Abuse and Neglect, 33, 870-876.
6. ^ ^{a b} Nick Grimm. Higher risk of mental health problems after abortion: report The 7:30 Report. Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
7. ^ ^{a b} Robotham, Julie (January 3, 2006). "Abortion Linked to Mental Problems". The Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/01/02/1136050394322.html. Retrieved 5 October 2011. 
8. ^ ^{a b c} Iggulden, Tom (3 January , 2006). "Abortion increases mental health risk: study". AM. http://www.abc.net.au/am/content/2006/s1540914.htm. Retrieved 5 October 2011. 
9. ^ ^{a b c} Hill, Ruth (Jan 5, 2006). "Abortion researcher confounded by study". New Zealand Herald. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10362476. Retrieved 5 October 2011.