“Found out I was pregnant on July 26th, 2016 and ended up getting a abortion July 28th, 2016. This is definitely one of the hardest things I’ve ever went through.. My boyfriend and I just weren’t ready for a baby, now we’re both going through such an emotional state because of the guilt we feel in our hearts. It’s definitely painful in many ways.”
This is just one of the many stories found on the website AbortionChangesYou.
Every year, more than one million abortions take place in the United States. Although it might be years after the procedure, some women end up regretting their decision. In addition to nervous and sleep disorders, these women experience guilt, remorse, depression, and some even attempt suicide. Two different studies documented more specific statistics, including one published in 2011 by Britain’s Royal College of Psychiatrists, which found women who have abortions are “81% more likely to experience subsequent mental health problems.” Additionally, a 2010 study published in the Canadian Journal of Psychiatry examined more than 3,000 women in the United States and found that women who experienced abortion had a 98% increased risk for various mental health disorders compared to women who did not have the procedure.
A recently released documentary titled Hush explores the potential relationship between abortion and emotional health as well as those between abortion and other possible side effects. View the film’s trailer and learn more at http://hushfilm.com/.
Although many women say they don’t experience regret, depression, or other emotional issues related to their abortion, for those who do, what steps can they take after the abortion?
Finding Help and Healing
There are several places where women (and men) who have experienced abortion can go for help. Here are a few suggestions:
- Seek counseling with a professional. Sharing one’s feelings with a trained counselor can put you on the right track to emotional healing.
- For women desiring a deeper, spiritual healing, there are additional options: Save One offers a milti-week group class with other women who have experienced abortion, including a program in Casper; Rachel’s Vineyard is a retreat-based program – the weekend sessions are offered in various parts of the United States and also in other countries.
Physical Side Effects of Abortion
If you have had an abortion recently, there are some physical side effects that you need to be aware of, including:
*pain and/or cramping.
*bleeding with some small clots.
*nausea/vomiting.
See our previous blog post from 2015 on this topic.
The critical key is to make sure you take care of yourself. Abortion is a medical/surgical procedure and your body will need to go through a recovery process so be watchful for any complications such as heavy bleeding (more than your menstrual period) with clots larger than a grape.
Help in Your Time of Need
If you do experience emotional struggles after an abortion, or if you know someone who is facing that challenge, don’t ignore the negative feelings. Talk to a counselor, or consider the Save One or Rachel’s Vineyard programs. You can also visit the AbortionChangesYou website and share your story and feelings anonymously (http://www.abortionchangesyou.com/stories) – just writing down your thoughts and feelings and joining with others who have experienced what you are going through is a good start to the healing process. You are also welcome to call True Care at 472-2810 to learn more about our abortion recovery program.
If you’re pregnant, or think you might be pregnant, and considering abortion, contact True Care Women’s Resource Center in Casper for a free appointment where you will receive not just a pregnancy test, but can also get an ultrasound to more accurately determine how far along you are. You will also learn about each of your pregnancy options and be provided with a resource listing of various agencies that can help meet a variety of needs. Additionally, you’ll have opportunity to speak to someone who previously experienced an abortion if you wish. We are here to provide relevant, factual information and medical knowledge and experience for women facing an unplanned pregnancy. Call our Scheduling Line at 307-215-9684 for your free appointment.