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PAS/T

Post Abortion Stress / Trauma

Abortion can be a traumatic experiences for some people, women and men alike. The loss of pregnancy through abortion may be far in the past, but the memories remain. We know that in many cases the pain of loss may initially be buried; women who have had an abortion often suffer from symptoms of post-abortion stress decades after the experience. You may feel alone, but you’re not, we will walk alongside you, assisting you as you work through this difficult time.

What is post-abortion stress/trauma?

PAS/T is a condition that can occur in both men and women after an abortion experience due to unresolved psychological, physical and spiritual aspects. Family members can also be affected. Symptoms are similar to those in most post-traumatic stress disorders. Basically, it is the personal struggle to work through thoughts and feelings about the abortion and previous pregnancy. The goal is to come to peace with those involved in the decision making process as well as the loss of life. Although some men/women are better equipped to deal with the aftermath of an abortion, everyone can be changed by it. As one woman quoted: “Once I laid on that table, I was never the same.” Symptoms of PAS/T may not appear all at once, nor will each person experience all of them, but if you find that you are experiencing between 5 and 7 of the following emotions after an abortion, you might consider seeking help for post abortion stress/trauma. Also note that sometimes these symptoms happen immediately and sometimes they may not surface for years, or even decades following the procedure.

Symptoms of Post Abortion Stress Trauma
  • Abusive behavior
  • Alcohol and/or drug use
  • Avoids baby reminders (like baby showers, baby stores, etc.)
  • Changes in relationships / marriage (70% of relationships/marriages break up within 1 year of an abortion, 90% within 5 years)
  • Control issues
  • Crying spells
  • Difficulty in all types of intimacy
  • Divides time into “before” and “after” the abortion
  • Eating disorders
  • Fails to bond with subsequent children
  • Loss of interest in sex
  • Loss of normal sources of pleasure
  • Marital stress
  • Need of financial success
  • Over-protective of living children
  • Promiscuity or frigidity
  • Reduced motivation
  • Secretive
  • Self-punishing and / or self-degrading behavior
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Strained relationship with living children
  • Suicidal impulses
  • Tolerates abusive relationships
  • Wants atonement / replacement child
  • Withdrawn

Some women and men who struggle with past abortion experiences say that they wish they had been told all of the facts about abortion and its risk before they made that choice. If you or someone you know is experiencing regret from an abortion, we offer confidential, compassionate support designed to help women and men work through these feelings. You are not alone, many of our advocates have been where you are. Please contact us to learn more about our post-abortion recovery program.