Abstract

PATRAO, Ivone; KING, Gwen  and  ALMEIDA, Miguel. Interrupção Voluntária da Gravidez: Intervenção psicológica nas consultas prévia e de controlo. Aná. Psicológica [online]. 2008, vol.26, n.2, pp.349-354. ISSN 0870-8231.

Legal Abortion in Portugal is possible since 2007, after the 16/2007 law approval on April 17 by the Portuguese assembly. There are no Portuguese investigations concerning to psychological consequences of an abortion, yet they where developed in other countries. Despite the uncleared and inconsistence conclusions it’s known that this is a delicate moment in a woman’s life and it can generate a varied type of feelings. In the present legislation, the abortion process includes the possibility of psychological support, both in the prior appointment as in the control appointment. In these sessions, the psychologist has to be flexible, free of preconception and has to develop empathy. Duo to the specificity of this moment it is necessary that the psychologist informs the patient about the process and the possible consequences of it. It is important that the psychologist supports the woman in her decision making and in eventual feelings she may develop during this process like fear, doubt, anxiety, guilt, and mourning. It’s also vital that issues like contraception and family planning are discussed with the patient. These sessions can help women to cope and deal with the procedure and her feelings and prevent psychological consequences.

Keywords : Abortion; emotional impact; psychological intervention.

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