"abuse was the only thing i knew""i hear a little voice in the night""if only i had known the truth""i feel like i never had a choice""they said it was no big deal""abuse was the only thing i knew"


Understanding what can happen after abortion

Since 1973, there have been more than 36 million abortions in the United States. While some women report relatively little trauma following abortion, for many, the experience is devastating, causing severe and long-lasting emotional, psychological and spiritual trauma.

Evidence of post-abortion trauma is increasingly attested to by psychologists, counselors and those involved in post-abortion ministry. We now know, for example, that women hurt by abortion may have some or many of the following symptoms:

• Low self-esteem
• Grief (mild to profound)
• Depression (sometimes to the point of suicidal thoughts and attempts)
• A sense of alienation from family and friends
• A feeling of being 'numb,' not able to feel joy from activities that used to be pleasurable
• Isolating self from others to avoid discussing the abortion experience with them
• Guilt and shame
• Difficulty concentrating
• Anger toward self, or the child's father, or others involved in the abortion decision
• Sleep disorders
• Abortion-related nightmares, flashbacks or even sounds of a baby crying
• Alcohol and drug problems, to dull the sorrow
• Desire for a 'replacement' baby
• Anniversary reactions of grief or depression on the date of the abortion or the baby's expected due date
• Problems bonding with her other children (being over-protective but emotionally distant)
• Fear that God will punish her, or is punishing her

Some, especially young girls, experience symptoms soon after the abortion. Counselors tell us, however, that it is more common for the symptoms to occur over the course of five to twelve years after the abortion before a woman seeks help.

Abortion's aftermath is largely ignored by the general public. Groups organized to protect the availability of abortion claim that abortion is no different from any surgical procedure and that pro-life groups are fabricating the existence of post-abortion suffering.

Consequently, many women think that their grief reactions are somehow abnormal and believe that there is nowhere to turn for help.

That's no longer true.

Post-Abortion Healing
If you or someone you know is suffering from a past abortion or pregnancy loss, or is facing an unexpected pregnancy, know that compassionate and confidential help is available.

The information available on the web sites listed to the right can help you begin the path to healing.


pregnant? need help?


Post-Abortion Healing Resources

The links below are provided as information resources only. The information found on these sites should not be applied to your own situation without prior evaluation by a trained and licensed professional counselor.

The Elliot Institute
The Elliot Institute was founded in 1988 to perform original research and education on the impact of abortion on women, siblings and society. It publishes research and educational materials and works as an advocate for women and men seeking post-abortion healing.

Project Rachel
Project Rachel is the name of the Catholic Church's healing ministry to those who have been involved in abortion. It operates as a network of professional counselors and priests, all trained to provide one-on-one spiritual and psychological care for those who are suffering because of an abortion.

Rachel's Vineyard
Rachel's Vineyard offers weekend retreats held across the United States for any woman or man who has struggled with the emotional and spiritual pain of an abortion

National Office of Post-Abortion
Reconciliation and Healing
Founded in 1990, this organization networks researchers and psychotherapeutic professionals working in the field within the US and abroad, and provides a wide range of educational materials and consulting services on post-abortion healing.

Feminists for Life
Post-abortion resources from Feminists for Life. Established in 1972, Feminists for Life is a non-sectarian, grass-roots organization that "seeks true equality for all human beings, particularly women."

Safe Haven Ministries
A Christian peer support group created to help women understand and deal with post-abortion syndrome. All the women who volunteer at SafeHaven either had an abortion themselves or participated in the decision to abort.

Some Cares Network:
The Network of Hope & Help
The CPCWORLD Someone Cares Network is an independent consortium of crisis pregnancy counselors, professionals, ministers, therapists, students, parents, and individuals.

Ramah International
Ramah International is a non-profit ministry whose mission is "to raise the level of awareness about the needs of individuals who have experienced abortion, and to provide post-abortion resources, research and training programs…"

NOEL
The Post Abortion Syndrome section of The National Organization of Episcopalians for Life (NOEL) web site.

the rachel ministry, new york.