Studies show that some women who have had an abortion go through post-abortion trauma, depression, and stress. Other studies have shown these effects often transfer to the father of the aborted fetus, as well as the siblings when they are aware of the abortion.
Post-abortion stress happens when there is an inability to process the stress and emotions that come along with an abortion. They can happen immediately, or they can surface at any point during a person’s life. It can be extremely painful, confusing, and often leaves a person feeling overwhelmed.
If you are being pressured to get an abortion, the doctor will ask. Simply say “yes,” and the abortion will not happen. It is your decision. Do not let somebody else talk you into getting an abortion if you know it is the wrong thing to do.
Symptoms of post-abortion stress include:
- Flashbacks of the abortion
- Overwhelming feelings of guilt and regret
- Depression
- Anxiety and tension
- Emotionally numb
- Sleeplessness and nightmares
- Worried about others finding out about the abortion
- Unable to forgive yourself or the people who were involved in the abortion
- Avoids intimate relationships
- Desperate to become pregnant again
- Anxiety about fertility
- Depression on the anniversary of the baby’s due date or on the day of the abortion
- Developing eating disorders
- Drug abuse
- Intense grief
- Thinking God is mad at you, or worried about his judgement
- Suicidal thoughts or impulsive attempts at suicide
Not all women feel this way after an abortion; some women are relieved. These symptoms are more common in women who have been pressured into having an abortion by a parent or their significant other. Do not get an abortion simply because somebody else thinks it would be best for you. It is YOUR decision, and the choice is up to you. We just want you to be informed of the potential emotional damage that can follow after an abortion.
Refrences:
