What is Post-Abortion Syndrome?

Post-abortion syndrome is a type of post traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. It is a condition that affects many women after an abortion, and is often characterized by feelings of loss, guilt, and regret. While some feelings of sadness are considered normal just after an abortion, those suffering from this syndrome typically display grief for years afterward. Post-abortion syndrome frequently manifests itself in various ways, including eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, and relationship problems, eventually requiring counseling.

Even women who are sure that the abortion was the right choice for them can suffer from this emotional disorder. Many tend to dwell on the event, reliving it at times, especially around the anniversary of the abortion. They may have flashbacks, or daydream about how old the child would be if he or she had lived. It is also considered common for women to be reminded of the abortion when they see a baby, or encounter anything having to do with motherhood. In fact, some women become obsessed with getting pregnant again due to their guilt over the abortion. Unfortunately, they often have difficulty having healthy relationships with others after this event, especially when it comes to anyone who was involved in the abortion.

While many women overcome the emotional effects of abortion, eventually coming to terms with their decision, some allow post-abortion syndrome to manifest itself physically. For example, some women may turn to drugs or alcohol to escape their pain, or they might have trouble sleeping and eating normally. In fact, it is not uncommon for some women to want to punish themselves for the choice they made, resulting in eating disorders and self-harm through cutting or burning the skin. Such behavior may also be a way of trying to retain control over life, as control issues can result during post-abortion syndrome.

Certainly not every woman who opts for an abortion feels regret or guilt afterward, and even those who do are not necessarily experiencing post-abortion syndrome. Having an emotional response to this event for weeks or even months afterward can be considered normal, eventually healing with time. On the other hand, some emotional reactions continue for years, and may even seem to get worse as time goes on. Those suffering from such feelings are often encouraged to seek abortion counseling, which is typically offered by religious organizations, as well as medical clinics that perform abortions. In any case, counseling should be sought by women who are having a hard time dealing with the emotions after the procedure, as waiting too long for help can result in issues that include self-harm, substance abuse, and eating disorders.