What is after-abortion trauma?

It’s the emotional impact that is sometimes experienced by both men and women after the abortion experience, due to emotional, physical and spiritual trauma. Some have after-abortion trauma because someone made them get an abortion even though they didn’t want to have one. Symptoms are similar to those in any post-traumatic stress disorder and are listed below.

Emotional and Psychological Symptoms:

The uncomfortable feelings associated with an abortion may not appear all together. Nor will each woman or man possess all of them. Note these symptoms may appear immediately, as in hours, days, weeks or months ~ or may not surface for 2-20 years following the procedure.

  • Bouts of crying
  • Depression
  • Guilt 
  • Inability to forgive yourself or thinking God won’t forgive you
  • Intense grief / sadness
  • Anger / rage
  • Emotional numbness
  • Sexual problems or promiscuity
  • Eating disorders
  • Lowered self esteem
  • Drug and alcohol abuse
  • Nightmares and sleep disturbances
  • Suicidal urges
  • Difficulty with relationships
  • Anxiety and panic attacks
  • Flashbacks
  • Multiple abortions
  • Pattern of repeat crisis pregnancy
  • Discomfort around babies or pregnant women
  • Fear / ambivalence of pregnancy

If  you chose to have an abortion and suffer any of these symptoms or if someone made you have an abortion when you didn’t want one, click here for help. 

If you’ve had an abortion and are showing any of the signs listed above, contact us. It’s also a good idea to talk with your doctor. 

There are also options available for those looking for healing through a weekend retreat. To find more information and upcoming retreat dates, visit the websites for Rachel’s Vineyard or Deeper Still.