A WOMAN’s decision to have an abortion may be influenced by seasonal
depression. Italian researchers have discovered an annual peak in abortion rates
that matches that of female suicides. They suggest the same factors that push
women to commit suicide might also make them more vulnerable to pressure to
abort a pregnancy.
A host of factors can influence the decision to end a pregnancy. But previous
studies have shown that women who seek abortions already have a higher rate of
reactive depression and suicidal thoughts. Scientists have known for a while
that there are strong seasonal trends in depression and…
