Abortion in Romania and Its Consequences
Realities and PerspectivesRomania ranks among the highest in Europe in terms of abortion rates. Beyond statistics, what real consequences does this decision leave on women?
- 23 mil+abortions recorded in Romania (1958–2020)
- 480abortions per 1,000 births — double the EU average
- 3×average number of abortions per woman in Romania (vs. 1 in Western countries)
- ~30.000abortions annually in Romania today
We live in a world full of unexpected events that deeply affect and shape our lives. For many women, one such unexpected event is the onset of a pregnancy — unplanned, unwanted, and perceived as having little chance of being carried to term.
Romania has a particularly high abortion rate, ranking among the top countries in Europe in this regard. It is often said that the main cause of this serious situation is economic hardship. However, in today’s context, where every woman has access to information and considering the many side effects of terminating a pregnancy, abortion cannot be seen as a solution.
Abortion leaves a deep wound in a woman’s soul, affecting the very essence of her identity — that of being a mother, of bringing life into the world.
Although it is rarely discussed, abortion has both physical and psychological consequences for women. Understanding these is essential for making an informed decision.
Physical and psychological consequences
- Inflammatory conditions of the reproductive system
- Severe hemorrhage
- Uterine perforation
- Infection of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries
- Prolonged (delayed) bleeding
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Menstrual disorders
- Uterine adhesions (synechiae)
- Infertility, ectopic pregnancies
Physical consequences
- Feelings of guilt and loss
- Frustration and depression
- Pessimism and unjustified fear
- Sleep disturbances
- Emotional instability
- Loss of self-respect
- Anxiety or depressive neurosis
- Breakdown of the relationship with the partner
- Sexual disorders
Post-abortion syndrome
Why these symptoms occur
These symptoms arise because women come to realize the nature of the loss they have experienced. It is very different to lose something material — an object, a job, an exam — things that can be recovered or replaced. Losing a child is something entirely different. Unfortunately, many women become aware of this loss only after the procedure.
Social impact: birth rate and population aging
Demographic perspective
At a societal level, the high abortion rate leads to a drastic decline in birth rates and, consequently, to the aging of Romania’s population — a serious concern even for state authorities.
Abortion does not solve existing problems — it postpones or deepens them. Counseling before making such a decision can mean the difference between a wound that never heals and a life that transforms.