Recovery

Some women walk away from the decision to have an abortion temporarily feeling relieved. Sometimes this feeling of relief can be long-lasting, but many women report it is short-lived. Some people involved in the choice to have an abortion struggle with emotions of guilt, loss, grief, and despair afterward. The pain of a past abortion is often a secret one. It is difficult to talk about and often remains a quiet sorrow. Because of the fear of judgment, feelings that might come up of anger, guilt, pain, resentment and fear can be hidden and never dealt with properly. Even boyfriends or husbands, parents or close relatives that were involved in the process can feel the emotional impact of an abortion and need to work through their emotions as well.

In severe cases, a post-abortive woman may experience clinical symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or 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 may be experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, especially if they felt the abortion was coerced because of pressure from others.

Sometimes after an abortion, a woman experiences normal emotions of pain, loss, guilt, sadness, crying and grief. However, when these symptoms become debilitating or turn into a lasting depression or self-destructive behavior, she may be suffering from PTSD and psychological help should be sought.

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 stress counselors on staff.
To find a center near you, click here.

A marvelous program called "Project Rachel" is also available to help women deal with the grief of abortion. Project Rachel helps post-abortive women 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: Call 877-225-7870.