Can an embryo or fetus feel pain?
We know for sure that the embryo or fetus cannot perceive pain in the nearly 99% of all abortions that occur before the 20th week of pregnancy. It is even possible that a fetus is unable to perceive pain at any time during pregnancy. If, however, the ability to feel pain does develop before birth and consciousness, it is likely to happen only after the 28th week of pregnancy, when abortion is performed only for urgent medical reasons. How will I feel afterward? Most women feel relief. Some women feel anger, regret, guilt, or sadness for a little while. Sudden hormonal changes may intensify these feelings. Some people who oppose women’s right to make their own decisions claim that abortion often causes long-lasting emotional problems, or “post-abortion syndrome.” There is no scientific proof for these claims. Serious, long-term emotional problems after abortion are extremely rare and less common than they are after childbirth. Such problems are more likely if: • The pregnancy was wanted
