On the other hand, commenting on 'mizuko no tatari' (curse of mizuko), 'mizuko no sawari' (harm brought on by mizuko), and so on is pointed out of possibilities to drive women who had abortions to mental anguish, and in some instances, there are many vicious cases (illegal business) such as selling expensive merchandise or urging donations by blatantly provoking anxiety, and it was recognized as a social problem.
一方で「水子の祟り」「水子の障り（霊障）」を云々するのは、人工妊娠中絶を行った女性を精神的に追いつめる可能性もあることが指摘され、中には霊感商法の一環として露骨に不安をあおり、高価な物品の販売や寄付・献金を促す悪質な例（悪徳商法）も多くあることから社会問題化した。