What Emotions are Expected after an Abortion?
🛤 Could an abortion affect me long term? – Take the Quiz
- Not every woman suffers after an abortion; some feel a sense of relief. Still, many women talk about their mental and emotional struggle in coming to terms with the abortion
- Some women suffer from depression or other undesired emotional responses immediately after the abortion or later on.
- If you are concerned about how an abortion would affect you, it is worth considering all your feelings and carefully weighing them in advance. 💚
Could an Abortion Affect Me Long Term? — Quiz
Do you find yourself in this situation? Answer three multiple-choice questions about your circumstances and receive an expert evaluation within seconds on your screen.
How Would I Feel After an Abortion?
The conflict that often accompanies an unintended pregnancy is a very intense and challenging experience for most women; they are fighting an inner battle that touches the core of their being. Many elements can factor in: her relationship, aspirations, fears or past experiences.
These unique situations can cause her to feel conflicted, affecting her decision-making process.
Just as every woman’s lived experience is distinct, each abortion and post-abortion period is experienced differently.
In counselling, we commonly see the following scenarios play out — and some women are even familiar with both simultaneously:
Relief
Immediately following an abortion, many women feel a sense of relief. The burden of having to make such an enormous decision is gone — and many concerns have been bypassed. Initially, these women are able to cope with an abortion well and continue life as usual.
Painful Emotions
Other women regret their abortion right away. Some feel grief and sadness after the relief has worn off. Yet others seem unfazed — only to be troubled by emotional distress years later.
These painful emotions are often described as an inner void, grief, guilt, a sudden desire to have children, disappointment, vulnerability, numbness, feeling detached...
Rushed decisions are more likely to lead to regret — or when heart and mind collide, and only one side is taken into account.
Potential Psychological Effects of an Abortion
An abortion can cause severe emotional distress. Some women sink into a deep, dark hole around the time of the baby’s due date. Others ruefully remember each anniversary of the abortion. A crisis can also be triggered by a pregnancy, whether a subsequent pregnancy of her own or someone else’s.
Both physical and emotional symptoms may arise — immediately following the abortion or later on. Some women bear their pain silently for years or even decades. Keeping this secret to oneself rather than confiding in someone can intensify these emotions.
- ⚖️ Wondering whether to have an abortion? Take the Abortion Test
- How Do I Make a Good Decision? Decision-Making Hacks
- 👤 Pregnant: What is my personality type? Take our free Pregnancy Personality Test
Post-Abortive Mental Health Concerns
This is how to recognise whether your abortion has led to trauma. Symptoms of post-abortion syndrome include:
- Moodiness or depression
- Guilt
- Difficulty sleeping; nightmares
- Falling into addiction
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Anxiety Disorder
Women frequently share about relationship struggles after an abortion. Having undergone an abortion for one's partner's sake puts the relationship under increased strain. In this case, post-abortion break-ups are common.
- He Doesn't Want the Baby — What makes men tick, and how to respond?
- 🧔🏻♂️ How do I react if he does not want the baby? Take the Test
Physical Reactions to Mental Distress (Psychosomatic Reactions)
When an abortion leads to psychological stress, physical reactions are possible. Symptoms may include migraines, back pain or increased severity of menstrual cramps.
I Am Wondering Whether I Could Cope with an Abortion
Are you pregnant and wondering what to do? If so, you are probably flooded by many thoughts, concerns, and emotions. You may feel anxious about either of the possible choices.
You are not alone! We would love to come alongside you as you navigate this difficult road. Our judgement-free resources aim to bring clarity so that you can discern the path that suits your lived experience:
- ⏳ Until When Can I Get an Abortion
- 📝 Abortion Pros and Cons – My Personal List
- 💪 Strengths Finder Test
Post-Abortion Testimonials
Many women have contacted us at Profemina, sharing their grief over their abortions. Read what two women experienced:
'... I had an abortion… and now I deeply regret it. I long to have a baby more than ever before... what I did tears my heart into a thousand pieces... I am constantly thinking about how far along I would be, boy or girl ... my partner is trying to comfort me, but he doesn't really get it...'
'...I can’t stop thinking that I should have kept the baby and that everything would have worked out. It would not have been easy, but it would have also been wonderful... I should have taken more time to decide… I wish I could make it all undone. This was not what I really wanted, not my choice. My path would have included the baby. All of a sudden it has become clear to me that it would have been good to keep the baby, and I am unsure whether I will ever get over it. It hurts so badly. I want my baby back.'
We want you to make a decision you will feel good about in the long term. You are worth it!
