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Category: Events
Abortion Recovery
CONTACT IVCL AT ivcoalitionforlife@gmail.com FOR CONFIDENTIAL
INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEXT ABORTION RECOVERY WEEKEND!
Some of the symptoms a woman experiences after an abortion are immediate, and sometimes it takes years for them to manifest. A woman may continue to experience those symptoms for years even decades after her abortion. It is possible for her to not even recognize that the abortion is the trigger for those symptoms, including guilt, anxiety, child/pregnant woman avoidance, emotional numbness, depression, thoughts of suicide, vividly recalled memories of the abortion, inability to bond with children, eating disorders, and drug or alcohol abuse.
Guilt — A mother’s heart is genetically designed to “protect their child at all costs.” Abortion short-circuits that basic human instinct. That can lead to feelings of guilt. A common guilty reaction after abortion could be that the individuals believes future bad events happen because they “deserve it” for making this choice.
Anxiety — (i.e., anxiety attacks) Many individuals state that after their abortion they started feeling tense and could not relax. Some outline physical reactions like dizziness, pounding heart, upset stomach, headaches. They may worry about the future, struggle to concentrate and not be able to sleep. It is often difficult to understand the source of anxiety.
Avoiding Children or Pregnant Women — It is common for post-abortive people to avoid children, especially pregnant women or children that would have been around the age of their aborted child. This avoidance can include: skipping baby showers, avoiding the baby aisle at the grocery store, walking around the block to avoid a playground, or making excuses to escape events that include children or pregnant women.
Feeling “Numb” — To avoid painful thoughts after abortion, many work to shut off their emotions. That could mean abandoning friendships and family, particularly if they remind them of the abortion experience. When someone shuts down emotionally, they don’t feel sorrow or joy. Many turn to drugs or alcohol to assist in numbing these memories that result in guilt or anxiety.
Depression — Everyone is sad once in a while. After abortion, gloomy feelings can make the person feel hopeless and unlovable. They may cry uncontrollably for no reason and/or feel like they are going crazy. Perhaps they can’t eat or sleep. Others eat too much and sleep all day. The things they used to enjoy are avoided.
Thoughts of Suicide — Some post-abortive people get so sad that they think it would be easier to die than continue living. Others miss their lost child so much that they want to join them to hold them at last. Anniversary Reminders This “anniversary” can be the aborted child’s due date, or the date of the abortion. On these dates, individuals can feel horrible for no apparent reason. It can take years to realize these dates are related to their abortion experience.
Experiencing The Abortion Again — A post-abortive person can be suddenly transported back to the abortion clinic and remember everything in their minds. Memories can be triggered by simple sounds heard during the abortion procedure – like a vacuum cleaner or a dentist drill. For those who endured medical abortions, it can be the sound of a toilet flushing. Yearly pap tests can also resurrect these memories. Others experience ongoing nightmares involving children, perhaps in pain. They can even have the same nightmare over and over again.
Wanting To Get Pregnant Again — It is normal to want to get pregnant again as soon as possible after any pregnancy loss. Most do so out of a desire to make sure they can still have a baby. Others hope to “replace” the life that was lost during the abortion.
Fear of Infertility — A common reaction after abortion is to worry about being able to get pregnant again. Many fear they have aborted the only child they will ever have. Others suspect the abortion could have mutilated their body in some way.
Unable to Bond with Present or Future Children — Some post-abortive people live in fear that children they had before or after the abortion could easily die. This fright can lead these parents to overprotect their children at an unhealthy level.
Eating Disorders — Episodes of anorexia or bulimia is common for people who have chosen abortion. Some get fat or thin to avoid anyone wanting them at a sexual level as that could lead to another pregnancy decision. Eating is also something an individual can personally regulate when their life feels beyond their control.
Alcohol and Drug Use — Drugs and alcohol often serves as a tranquilizer to help keep the memories of an abortion at a distance. They can help calm anxiety and promote sleep. Sadly, the overuse of these elements can lead to other problems at a mental and physical level.
SOURCE: Help for the Post-Abortive Woman by Dr. Paul and Teri Reisser and Ramah International 2013 “Post Abortion Stress Syndrome”
If you or a woman you know is suffering in silence from these symptoms due to a past abortion, please know that complete forgiveness and healing is possible. CONTACT IVCL AT ivcoalitionforlife@gmail.com FOR CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE NEXT ABORTION RECOVERY WEEKEND. It is time to let go of the guilt, the shame, and the pain. Please note that in order to maintain complete confidentiality, information about the location of the event will only be given to those who will attend. Men’s confidential abortion recovery is also available, contact Norm Chandler at norm@turningpointiv.org for information.