Have you experienced an abortion? Maybe you felt pressure from parent’s friends or your baby’s father, and now you are experiencing some confusing feelings. There is no right or wrong way to feel after an abortion. Every woman’s experience is unique. Some women feel relieved, and some women regret their decision right away. Some women have deep feelings of loss, and others may not feel much at all.
It’s common to feel many things all at once! Relief, anger, sadness, and hope can all exist at one time. That may be confusing, but it’s also normal.
If you have had an abortion (or know someone who has), maybe you have noticed changes emotionally or physically, and you wonder what has brought on the change. Some women and men who have been involved in an abortion decision have feelings of sadness, loneliness, anger, or a lack of interest in work, school, self-destructive behaviors, or even sex.
Many women are surprised when these feelings don’t show up in the weeks and months after an abortion, but pop up years later. It can be overwhelming and confusing to deal with emotions from the distant past. It’s never too late get help or counseling. There is no time limit on your feelings.
You might not have told your parents, friends, or significant other about your abortion. That doesn’t mean you need to sort out your feelings alone. In fact, the people close to you may be experiencing the same things. You can get help.
Many women, no matter what they feel, find it helpful to talk about their abortion. A trained professional, a family member, or a close friend can offer great support. Some women avoid talking through their feelings because they feel ashamed, or they fear the judgment of others. Just as every woman experiences abortion differently, every woman has a unique path to moving on.
If you’re looking for emotional support after abortion, we would love to visit with you. We will listen without judging you and help you with your feelings.
Note: Our pregnancy center offers peer counseling and accurate information about all pregnancy options; however, we do not offer or refer for abortion services. The information presented on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.