Abstract

This dual purpose of this review was to organize and synthesize what is known about womens psychological and behavioral responses to perinatal loss and examine perinatal loss as a predictor of compromised parenting. The conditions surrounding distinct losses (miscarriage, relinquishment of a child for adoption, and abortion) are highly variable necessitating examination of the differential impact of the various forms of loss on womens mental health and parenting. Preliminary assessment of relevant literature suggests the psychological experience and the cultural context of abortion may render this form of perinatal loss particularly damaging to the parenting process.

Keywords: women's mental health, parenting process, Psychological Pain, Abortion, Perinatal Loss