>Tracy, without stating an opinion: which poster said that they want women getting infections and/or dying in backalley abortions?
>
>In 2008, there are *many* ways to avoid an unwanted baby. And not all of them presume responsible behavior in the heat of the moment, either.
>
>FWIW there is growing evidence that having an abortion may affect a woman's mental wellbeing for the rest of her life.

Any more than any of the other outcomes of an unwanted pregnancy? That's the piece of the equation that tends to be missing in most of the discussions. There are four possible outcomes:

1) miscarriage -- not under anyone's control, so probably not worth discussing, except to point out that from the woman's POV, it's probably the best outcome;

2) abortion

3) adoption after carrying the pregnancy to term

4) raising the child

The last three are all likely to have a long-term effect on the woman's mental health. All three are likely to be accompanied by some regret. The best choice for the woman in any given case depends on a whole lost of factors.

Tamar