Risks of Abortion
Emotional Risks
Read through this self-assessment to see if you have symptoms of Post-Abortion Stress. If the list reflects problems you've experienced since your abortion, and you feel stuck, you may need help recovering. They tell us abortion is a quick, painless answer to the problem of an unplanned pregnancy. We know, from experience and from research, that this is simply not true for everyone. Take a moment and read about some of the issues other women dealt with after their abortions. See if you identify with any of them. We want to help you. We offer post-abortion counseling and post-abortion support groups.
Self-Assessment
Have you changed as a person since your abortion?
If your sister or best friend were thinking about having an abortion what would you tell her?
At the time of your abortion did you believe abortion was right or wrong?
Check the following problems that have bothered you since your abortion:
I struggle with eating disorders.
I find myself in abusive relationships.
I'm having increased unprotected sexual activity.
I'm using drugs and/or alcohol to distract myself from my pain.
I often feel so sad that I can't handle my responsibilities.
I often think about hurting myself.
I keep having the same nightmare over and over.
Do you shut down or feel numb when you're in a highly emotional situation?
Do you experience explosive emotions?
Has your relationship with God changed since your abortion?
Do you feel you must hide your abortion or your feelings about it?
Have your relationships with men changed?
Do you avoid people or situations that remind you of your abortion?
Did someone pressure you into having an abortion. If so what is your relationship like with that person now?
Do you feel like you're alone with the emotional pain you are feeling?
Are you interested in a support group for women who've had abortions to work through some of these problems?
Tana's Story
When I was 19, I dated a man who said he would love me forever. When I told him I was pregnant with his child, he was very calm and understanding and told me he would "take care of it."
At first I thought he meant he would marry me and support me through the pregnancy and help me raise our little child. Instead, he meant he would pay for an abortion.
At the time I felt incredibly angry with him, but went ahead with the abortion. I have never been the same. For years I hated myself and cried myself to sleep many nights. Sometimes I woke up to the sound of a baby crying. But there was no baby...only a sad, sad dream. I thought I was going crazy.
It took me seven years of suffering to get to the point that I was ready to get help. I found hope and healing through an abortion recovery group. There I shared with others who had many of the same problems I did. Together, we grieved the loss of our children, and worked toward healing. Although I still feel regret over my decision, I have been able to forgive and recover from the pain of the abortion.
I hope you will read this and reach out for help.
Tana
Read through this self-assessment to see if you have symptoms of Post-Abortion Stress. If the list reflects problems you've experienced since your abortion, and you feel stuck, you may need help recovering. They tell us abortion is a quick, painless answer to the problem of an unplanned pregnancy. We know, from experience and from research, that this is simply not true for everyone. Take a moment and read about some of the issues other women dealt with after their abortions. See if you identify with any of them. We want to help you. We offer post-abortion counseling and post-abortion support groups.
Self-Assessment
Have you changed as a person since your abortion? If your sister or best friend were thinking about having an abortion what would you tell her? At the time of your abortion did you believe abortion was right or wrong? Check the following problems that have bothered you since your abortion:I struggle with eating disorders.
I find myself in abusive relationships.
I'm having increased unprotected sexual activity.
I'm using drugs and/or alcohol to distract myself from my pain.
I often feel so sad that I can't handle my responsibilities.
I often think about hurting myself.
I keep having the same nightmare over and over.
Do you shut down or feel numb when you're in a highly emotional situation? Do you experience explosive emotions? Has your relationship with God changed since your abortion? Do you feel you must hide your abortion or your feelings about it? Have your relationships with men changed? Do you avoid people or situations that remind you of your abortion? Did someone pressure you into having an abortion. If so what is your relationship like with that person now? Do you feel like you're alone with the emotional pain you are feeling? Are you interested in a support group for women who've had abortions to work through some of these problems?Tana's Story
When I was 19, I dated a man who said he would love me forever. When I told him I was pregnant with his child, he was very calm and understanding and told me he would "take care of it."
At first I thought he meant he would marry me and support me through the pregnancy and help me raise our little child. Instead, he meant he would pay for an abortion.
At the time I felt incredibly angry with him, but went ahead with the abortion. I have never been the same. For years I hated myself and cried myself to sleep many nights. Sometimes I woke up to the sound of a baby crying. But there was no baby...only a sad, sad dream. I thought I was going crazy.
It took me seven years of suffering to get to the point that I was ready to get help. I found hope and healing through an abortion recovery group. There I shared with others who had many of the same problems I did. Together, we grieved the loss of our children, and worked toward healing. Although I still feel regret over my decision, I have been able to forgive and recover from the pain of the abortion.
I hope you will read this and reach out for help.
Tana
