Post Abortion
The emotional pain from a past abortion can impact the lives of men and women for years. Abortion does not just hurt women, men are impacted as well by the loss of a child or feelings of "not being there" for their baby. Grandparents may grieve the loss of a child they never knew. Couples that choose abortion may have difficulty later on in the relationship with feelings and emotions as they struggle to heal.
- Do you feel reluctant to talk about the subject of abortion, or do you feel guilt, anger, or sorrow when discussing your own abortion?
- Do you tend to think of your life in terms of "before" and "after" the abortion?
- Do you have lingering feelings of resentment or anger toward people involved in your abortion, such as the baby's father, friends, or your parents?
- Have you found yourself either avoiding relationships or becoming overly dependent in them since the abortion? Are you overly protective of any children you have now?
- Have you begun or increased use of drugs or alcohol since the abortion, or do you have an eating disorder?
- Have you felt a vague sort of emptiness, a deep sense of loss, or had prolonged periods of depression?
- Do you sometimes have nightmares, flashbacks, or hallucinations relating to the abortion?
If so, it is likely you are experiencing pain related to your abortion, many times referred to as "post-abortion trauma."
You are not alone. 1-800-395-HELP is a 24-Hour Hopeline. All services are free and confidential. Post-Abortion Recovery Groups are located across the greater Houston area. Many of these groups will start at the end of August. To find a support group near you, please check the Pregnancy Center nearest you or check our "groups starting" list.