Abortion is a complex topic, and each woman’s experience, emotions, and reactions will be different. 

While some say that abortion has no effect on a woman’s mental health, others say that it can be distressing or even cause PTSD-like symptoms. What’s important to know is that everyone is different, and while it’s impossible for any ethical study to definitively prove if abortion does or does not cause or increase mental health issues, many studies have shown connections between abortion and depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress syndrome, to name a few (NOTE 1). We can honor women who have shared their experiences, and learn from them. 

WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH MEDICAL ABORTION

“It just affected me a lot more physically and emotionally than I expected.”
— Source 1

“It was horrific. It was 100 times more painful and took longer than I was told ~ over 12 hours to completely expel the tissue. It was so much more traumatic than a surgical abortion, which I had once before.” (Source 1)

“The way it was explained to me was not how it truly happened. They said it would be painless, it definitely was not. It was a lot more frightening than expected. I was in much more pain than explained to me.” (Source 1)

“I had an abortion about five years ago when I was 26. I was only four-to-five weeks along and the decision was made between my partner and I based on the fact that we didn't feel ready for a child…Looking back, I think we do regret it now.” (Source 3)

WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES WITH SURGICAL ABORTION

“I had an abortion three weeks before I was due to start university, and I simultaneously regret and don’t regret the decision. It’s sometimes hard to think of what my four-year-old child would be like now. ”
— Source 3

“I was forced to have an abortion by my then boyfriend. He was violent and controlling and I found out after having the abortion that he was married. Over time I have mixed emotions, sometimes I am relieved I had an abortion but I mostly feel guilt…I can't change the past and have to live with my decision. It was a terribly difficult decision to make and should not be made lightly.” (Source 3)

“My abortion was almost 30 years ago, and I still struggle with the loss on the due date, the abortion date, and especially on Mother’s Day. I was a single mom with four young kids. I had no support and just couldn’t see how I could manage another baby. These anniversary dates can be so hard.” (Source 2)

“I feel regret, shame, and darkness around me. I put on a happy face, but inside I wanted to cry all day. My friends don’t understand, and I don’t want to tell my family. So I feel alone. I function daily and act like everything’s fine, but I am not okay.” (Source 2)

“At first I was fine after my abortion and went back to my everyday life. But then feelings of regret and guilt hit me. I thought I made the best decision I could, so I was surprised and shocked to feel regret. I feel empty and like what’s the point of life now.” (Source 2)

INTERESTED IN POST-ABORTION SUPPORT?

Are you struggling to process your abortion? You’re not alone. We offer two programs for women interested in processing their abortion experience, whether it was recently or many years ago. First, “Purple Doorway,” is designed to take a client, who has been impacted by abortion, on a supported journey. The program recognises that while each story and abortion experience is unique, many people share similar struggles. Each step builds on the last and the whole program facilitates a gentle, respectful and uplifting review of life, releasing hope and healing. Second, “SaveOne,” is a faith-based curriculum used all over the world. If you are interested in either program, contact us, or check out our upcoming events to see a schedule of programs.

Reviews of women who have attended post-abortion support programs:

“The group atmosphere enabled us to connect better and share mutual emotions and problems. It definitely helped us to experience healing."

"I fought for seventeen years with the decision I made to abort my first child. Hesitantly, I decided to participate in the study, and it was the best possible decision that I could have made. Knowing that I was not alone meant so much."

“I did not believe that this study would help me, but I soon realized that I was full of shame and even guilt. Now I know that I have been forgiven and I am truly free."

“I am thankful for this study, I was given a new sense of purpose in helping other women that are facing the same decision that I faced."

"This study renewed my faith in life. I never had this feeling of inner peace."