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Choosing to have an abortion can cause regret, guilt, and trauma. If you have already had an abortion, we want to help you deal with your feelings and focus on your future.

What is after-abortion trauma?

Choosing to terminate a pregnancy can leave both women and men with strong feelings for weeks, months or years to come. After-abortion trauma is the emotional impact following the abortion experience. This trauma may cause unresolved psychological, physical and spiritual issues.

Self Test for Post-Abortion Women

If you answer “Yes” to one or more of the following questions, you may be experiencing after-abortion trauma.

  1. I was forced by others to abort.
  2. I have experienced nightmares or flashbacks about abortion.
  3. There are details about the abortion procedure that I cannot remember.
  4. I avoid places, people, and things that remind me of the abortion.
  5. I often have trouble sleeping.
  6. I feel guilt and shame sometimes after the abortion.
  7. I have cried over the abortion.
  8. I use alcohol or drugs once per week or more often.
  9. Sometimes I regret having the abortion.
  10. I often feel sad and depressed.

Emotional and Psychological Impact

The uncomfortable feelings associated with an abortion may not appear immediately. They may not surface for several years following the abortion procedure. Nor will each woman or man possess all of them. The symptoms are similar to those in any post-traumatic stress disorder and may include one or more of the following items:

  • Bouts of crying
  • Depression
  • Guilt
  • Inability to forgive yourself
  • Intense grief/sadness
  • Anger/rage
  • Emotional numbness
  • Sexual problems or promiscuity
  • Eating disorders
  • Lowered self esteem
  • Drug and alcohol abuse
  • Nightmares and sleep disturbances
  • Suicidal urges
  • Difficulty with relationships
  • Anxiety and panic attacks
  • Flashbacks
  • Multiple abortions
  • Patterns of repeat pregnancy
  • Discomfort around babies or pregnant women
  • Fear/ambivalence of pregnancy

We offer support for those experiencing after-abortion trauma.

If you are experiencing regret, guilt or any other post-abortion trauma, we can help. Contact us or stop by our center during regular business hours. Our staff is ready to help.

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning,
but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

– Maria Robinson

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