Allegheny Reproductive Health Center

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Post Abortion Emotional Health

Allegheny Reproductive Health Center trusts women to understand the complex nature of abortion and we support their ability to make this difficult, moral decision for themselves. We also understand that deciding whether or not to bring a child into the world can be so monumental as to define a woman's future and, therefore, it is normal to have both positive and negative feelings stirred up during the decision-making process.

Our experience as an abortion provider since 1975 tells us that the majority of women feel a sense of relief after their abortion and do not suffer any lasting negative emotional effects of any kind. Indeed, many find the decision-making process empowering. Resolving the issues posed by an unplanned pregnancy requires courage, and may become a defining moment in a woman's life. It may be the first decision she ever makes on her own. It may be the first time she takes responsibility for her own life and future. Many women seeking abortions are already parents--at Allegheny Reproductive 55%--and are motivated by a desire to meet their existing parental responsibilities. Whatever decision a woman ultimately reaches, many report a sense of growth and strength for having reached an honorable decision made in good conscience.

It is also our experience, however, that some women go through great difficulties in coping with their decision to have an abortion. The process can lead to feelings of guilt, conflict, apprehension or anxiety prior to the abortion, feelings which may linger after the pregnancy is terminated. For some women, it can even be a very disturbing or even tragic event.

However, we remind women that there is no proof of so-called "Post Abortion Stress Syndrome" (PASS), and that neither the American Psychiatric Association nor the American Psychological Association recognizes PASS as an official diagnosis. Even former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, an acknowledged opponent of abortion, concluded in 1989 that "severe psychological reactions after abortion are infrequent and minuscule from a public health perspective". More recent studies reflect similar findings.

Because we do appreciate the potential gravity of the decision, our masters level counselors talk to every woman individually and will even counsel her partner or parent should the woman  or guest request it. Providing compassionate medical care, expert knowledge, and emotional support are the basis of our philosophy for not only providing abortions but also pointing women toward the pathway to emotional recovery. Because we know that the best predictor of a woman's emotional well-being after an abortion is her emotional well-being prior to the abortion, we offer a supportive, non-judgmental environment that allows each woman to explore her feelings regarding her abortion decision. Using a variety of counseling techniques, we explain to women all of their options, help them understand and achieve confidence in their own judgment, and address any circumstances that could be detrimental to their long-term well-being. For those women needing more help, we offer a variety of approaches.

Finally, we welcome feedback from the women and men we have counseled through the years, whether or not they ultimately chose abortion. We are always interested to hear how we helped or what we could do better.

Adapted from National Coalition of Abortion Providers position paper on Post Abortion Emotional Health, 2003.

We recommend the following links:

www.pregnancyoptions.info

This site contains the only unbiased pregnancy decision-making workbook and is available online.  If you would like help in making your decision, or are having trouble figuring out if your feelings afterwards are normal or not, this site addresses many of the questions women have.  Ferre Institute, Inc, founded in 1974, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of quality services and education of professionals and public about reproductive health and family building. Information on genetic counseling and abortion available.

www.yourbackline.org

Backline is the only pro-choice counseling service available to women and men both before and after abortion.  The website gives you more info as well as phone numbers and which hours trained counselors are available.

www.MenAndAbortion.com

This site is the only pro-choice support site for men.  It addresses emotional, spiritual, as well as factual concerns.  Men can leave a question for the authors to respond to should they wish.

www.peaceafterabortion.com

This comprehensive site is based on the book "Peace After Abortion". Although most women who have an abortion do not experience long-term negative feelings, a significant number do. You will find information here to help you understand the origin of your emotional and spiritual pain. You will also find the stories of other women who have experienced distress related to an abortion.

www.4exhale.org/

Exhale offers counseling after abortion.  Check their website for hours and numbers.

www.heartssite.com

This site allows you to read, write, or send a message from your heart to another person who is facing the same decision. Thoughts, poems and prayers are all welcome.

"Whether we experience it or not, grief accompanies all the major changes in our lives. When we realize that we have grieved before and recovered, we see that we may recover this time as well. It is more natural to recover...than to halt in the tracks of grief forever...our expectation, willingness and beliefs are all essential to our recovery from grief. It is right to expect to recover, no matter how great the loss. Recovery is the normal way."

- Judy Tatelbaum