Post Abortion Syndrome

Understanding Abortion's Aftermath

Since 1973, there have been more than 36 million abortions in the United States. While some women report relatively little trauma following abortion, for many, the experience is devastating, causing severe and long-lasting emotional, psychological and spiritual trauma.

Evidence of Post Abortion Syndrome is increasingly attested to by psychologists, counselors and those involved in post-abortion ministry. We now know, for example, that women hurt by abortion may have some or many of the following symptoms:

Low self-esteem
Grief (mild to profound)
Anxiety
Depression (sometimes to the point of suicidal thoughts and attempts)
A sense of alienation from family and friends
A feeling of being 'numb,' not able to feel joy from activities that used to be pleasurable
Isolating self from others to avoid discussing the abortion experience with them
Guilt and shame
Difficulty concentrating
Anger toward self, or the child's father, or others involved in the abortion decision
Sleep disturbances
Abortion-related nightmares, flashbacks or even sounds of a baby crying
Alcohol and drug problems, to dull the sorrow
Desire for a 'replacement' baby
Anniversary reactions of grief or depression on the date of the abortion or the baby's expected due date
Problems bonding with her other children (being over-protective but emotionally distant)
Fear that God will punish her or is punishing her
Aversion to sex
Loss of pleasure in intimacy

Some women experience symptoms soon after the abortion. Research shows, however; that it is more common for the symptoms to occur over time. On average, it is five to ten years after the abortion before a woman seeks help. Abortion's aftermath is largely ignored by the general public. Groups organized to protect the availability of abortion claim that abortion is no different from any surgical procedure and that pro-life groups are fabricating the existence of post-abortion suffering. Consequently, many women and men think that their grief reactions are somehow abnormal and believe that there is nowhere to turn for help. Many women who have walked a path of grief and hopelessness after abortion, usually alone, eventually begin to understand that they have a deep spiritual wound. But sadly, they also are likely to believe that they have committed 'the unforgivable sin' and fear God's anger. Women and men who have had an abortion often have many questions, the answers to which are indispensable to beginning the healing journey. Can God ever forgive me? Can my child? Can I ever forgive myself? Will the Church let me stay when I confess this sin? Will this horrible pain ever go away? Is healing possible?

The answer to all these questions is, of course, YES!

"God keeps his promise. He will not let you be tested beyond your strength. Along with the test he will give you a way out of it so that you may be able to endure it."

1 Cor 10:13