After Abortion
If you are experiencing immediate physical problems after an abortion, such as intense abdominal or back pain, heavy bleeding, fever, or nausea, call your doctor now or go to an emergency room.
Mental Effects of Abortion
Following an abortion, many women experience initial relief. The perceived crisis is over, and life returns to normal. For many, however, the crisis is not really over, and significant mental health struggles develop. There is no time line on developing these struggles, symptoms may appear immediately or years later. The negative psychological response to an abortion is known as Post-Abortion Stress (PAS).
Several factors that increase the risk of PAS include the woman’s age, the abortion circumstances, the stage of pregnancy at which the abortion occurs, and religious beliefs.
Women who have experienced abortion may develop the following symptoms:
- Flashbacks of Abortion
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Relationship Problems
- Eating Disorders
- Alcohol and Drug Abuse
- Depression
- Guilt
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Suicidal Thoughts
- Anniversary Grief
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, you are not alone. Men can also struggle with these issues after their partner chooses abortion. Our center offers confidential, compassionate support groups or individual counseling to help women and men work through these feelings.
Deciding to seek help may be one of the most challenging decisions you make, but it may be one of the best. To talk to someone about issues from a past abortion, please contact us. All calls are completely confidential.