Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to examine the interactions between abortion stigma and depressive symptoms among women who underwent termination of pregnancy for fetal anomalies over time. METHODS: This study is a longitudinal, observational study with two measurement points. A total of 241 women with fetal anomalies filled out the Individual Level Abortion Stigma Scale and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale before and after terminating pregnancy. Cross-lagged panel analysis was conducted to analyze the interactions between abortion stigma and depressive symptoms over time. RESULTS: The level of abortion stigma before terminating pregnancy positively influenced depressive symptoms after terminating pregnancy (β = 0.12, P < 0.05). The depressive symptoms before terminating pregnancy positively influenced the level of abortion stigma after terminating pregnancy(β = 0.08, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Abortion stigma and depressive symptoms before terminating pregnancy should be evaluated, and comprehensive intervention must be taken to alleviate them. Healthcare professionals need to pay attention to the reciprocal relationships between abortion stigma and depressive symptoms and seek intervention to reduce both.