Abortion Aftermath: Risks to Consider

After an abortion, many women, men, and other close family members experience one or more of the following emotional, spiritual, and relational consequences, some of which surface even years later following an abortion.

Flashbacks

Crying episodes

Feelings of guilt and shame

Feelings of loss and emptiness

Recurring dreams and nightmares

Anger, resentment, regret

Depression

Thoughts of suicide

Increased use of alcohol or drugs

Self-punishing/self-degrading behaviors

Feelings of inadequacy / low self-esteem

Sorrow, bitterness

Broken relationships

Sexual problems

Preoccupation with becoming pregnant again

Fear of punishment from God

Difficulty forgiving others

Lack of intimacy in relationships - distancing or isolation

Difficulty with commitment to people or tasks

No solid sense of one’s own identity

Researchers have identified these, and other symptoms of abortion aftermath, as Post-Abortion Syndrome.

If you have experienced one or more abortions, and have recognized a number of the above symptoms as things you have suffered, or are experiencing at this time, please know there are many support groups, retreats, or one-on-one counsel to help you work through these difficulties. Please turn to our Post-Abortion Healing pages for links to healing services throughout the United States and beyond.