Emotional Risks

Some women experience an immediate feeling of relief following an abortion, but many find themselves later coping with feelings they did not expect. They may have a difficult time talking about these feelings. Some psychologists have labeled these problems as Post Abortion Stress. The symptoms of Post Abortion Stress span a wide range and can effect men who have lost a child to an abortion as well as women.

ONE WOMAN'S EXPERIENCE

"I had an abortion when I was 19. It seemed like a really logical thing to do. I could hardly pay my bills and wanted to get a decent job. My boyfriend didn't say much. He wanted to be supportive and thought his silence was support. We later married, and admitted that we both regretted the decision.
We were surprised at how much we mourned the loss of that baby. We have both been depressed at various times, have experienced intense anger with each other over the abortion, and felt a lot of shame. Finally both of us spent time in a support group for people who have had abortions. I never expected that I would carry this emotional weight into my 30's. We now have two children but we still regret the one we lost to that quick abortion decision."

 

REFERENCE:

"Making an Informed Decision About Your Pregnancy", Frontlines Publishing, 2001.

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