The topic of abortion is a highly sensitive one, rife with controversy no matter which side of the issue you fall on. But what about those women who have undergone an elective abortion? Are there issues global issues unique to those who have opt to get an abortion as opposed to those who have suffered a spontaneous abortion (miscarriage)? Both are traumatic experiences and every woman’s experience is completely unique and completely valid.

While there is a lot of controversy regarding Post Abortion Stress Syndrome as its own diagnosis in the mental health world, most professionals agree that PTSD can be caused by a wide variety of traumatic life experiences–and abortion, however it occurs, can certainly be one of them.

Symptoms include varying degrees of guilt and shame (not necessarily as an indicator of any wrongdoing, but concern regarding how others may perceive her), anxiety (often surrounding possible medical complications, infertility issues stemming from procedures or multiple miscarriages), and numbness or depression beyond the expected changes due to drops in hormone levels. In severe cases, many women suffer flashbacks to the procedure itself (as most abortions are performed while the patient is conscious, the experience can be highly stressful, and many spontaneous abortions require medical intervention as well) and suicidal thoughts.

Emotions surrounding pregnancy are complicated to say the least, and much of the distress is caused by the circumstances surrounding the abortion. An elective abortion may be seen as a solution to a problem, while a spontaneous one may be deeply grieved if the prospective mother had been looking forward to impending motherhood. The reason for women to choose an elective abortion are highly personal and range from ending a pregnancy resulting from sexual assault to pressure from a partner to timing, etc. 

Many women report being plagued by a lifetime of “what ifs,” even if they have had other children. Others, which may have infertility issues, often wonder if a previous elective abortion may be the reason behind it.

Many women may benefit from the care of a professional mental health expert, depending on their reaction to the situation. While many professionals do not recognize post-abortion stress syndrome, most agree that the symptoms experienced by others who suffer traumatic, dramatic changes to their lives.

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Why It Happens

Post-abortion syndrome occurs after a woman has had an abortion and she experiences the emotions that come with this act. She may feel grief and even regret for her choice, but she will often hide these feelings because it was a voluntary act and she expects to be judged for her choices. When these feelings are suppressed rather than dealt with, it leads to post-abortion syndrome, which is a type of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.

When and How It Happens

Post-abortion syndrome may not occur until months after the procedure. Others may only experience it years later, often two to five years afterwards. However, it can occur even 10, 20, or more years later because the woman has been unable to resolve her emotions relating to the abortion.

The symptoms are as varied as the women who have abortions. Many of them are emotional, which allows the woman to continue hiding the condition, making it even worse. She may experience guilt, regret, and sadness for the loss of the baby. She may begin to feel anxiety or anger.

Many times, the woman will remain secretive about the abortion. She may experience nightmares and be unable to have a successful relationship with a boyfriend or husband. Post-abortion syndrome often leads to drug and alcohol abuse as well as other self-destructive behaviors, including attempted suicide. What may be surprising to some is the fact that this condition often leads to multiple abortions.

How Post-Abortion Syndrome is Treated

A woman who is experiencing these symptoms may need to seek out counseling to help her deal with the issues. She will need to talk about her emotions and the abortion to begin recovery. While she cannot undo her decision, she must learn how to forgive herself and grieve her loss so that she is able to move forward with her life.

There are many counseling programs available to help with PTSD, but a woman should find a facility or program that offers therapy for post-abortion syndrome. The unique nature of this trauma requires special treatment that is specific to the condition.

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