After Abortion
Often men don’t realize the impact that an abortion may have on their life. The pain of an abortion is a secret and difficult one. It is further aggravated by the depth of helplessness that men can feel after they experience the loss of their child through abortion. Feelings of guilt, sadness, anguish, fear of commitment, loss and anger are common after an abortion. However, if these feelings deepen into depression, anger management issues, or commitment issues, it may be an indication of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In severe cases, a post-abortive man may experience clinical symptoms of PTSD. PTSD is a term therapists use to describe a group of psychological symptoms. It is a psychological disorder that is the result of a traumatic experience so overwhelming that the individual's normal defense mechanisms cannot handle the shock of the experience. Soldiers who have witnessed horrific acts of war, crime victims and witnesses, and others who have dealt with an event that evoked intense fear, helplessness or horror may at some point be diagnosed with PTSD. Sadly, society is only just realizing that post-abortive women and men may be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.
Professional help should be sought. Fortunately, there is help available. Experienced counselors are available at pregnancy resource centers to help men and women work through the emotional turmoil that can occur after an abortion. If additional counseling is needed, pregnancy resource centers can refer clients to psychologists or psychiatrists.
If you are struggling with a past abortion, or know someone who is, please be assured that you / they are not alone. A past abortion is definitely not easy to talk about. However, there are counselors available who are familiar with your experience and can offer non-judgmental, confidential help.
Many pregancy resource centers have post-abortion recovery counselors on staff.
To find a center near you, click here.
A marvelous program called "Project Rachel" is also available to help women and men deal with the grief of abortion. Project Rachel helps post-abortive women and men find healing, forgiveness, and hope. Although it is an outreach of the Catholic Church, it is open to people of all faiths and no faith, to women and men.
"Project Rachel reaches out to all women and men hurting emotionally and spiritually after involvement with abortion. This ministry helps heal your wounded relationships with yourself, your child and God. Extending God's compassion, unconditional love, and forgiveness, Project Rachel offers hope and peace."
To speak with a caring counselor at Project Rachel:
In the Baltimore area: call 410-625-8491 or 1-800-286-4224,
e-mail ProjectRachel@archbalt.org, or visit www.Project-Rachel.net
Washington suburbs and Southern Maryland: call 301-982-2008 or 202-269-4673,
e-mail projectrachel@adw.org, or visit Project Rachel's website for the Washington area.
Eastern Shore: contact information will be available shortly. Please contact either of the organizations above for immediate help.