Abortion's Aftermath

Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome, or PASS, is a form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD.

It is thought that as many as 40% of American women have had an abortion.  Many post abortive women suffer unknowingly with PASS.

Some symptoms may closely follow the abortion procedure while others may occur much later.  Some symptoms will be easier to recognize than others.

While most agree that abortion ends the life of a preborn child, there is less agreement on just what effects abortion has on the mother.  A few widely observed effects are:

• Short and/or long term physical problems, including:  excessive bleeding, cervical lacerations (possibly resulting in preterm labor), and an increased risk of breast cancer and other cancers.
• Short and/or long term psychological and spiritual effects, including:  guilt, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.  Some will turn to drugs and alcohol or other destructive behaviors.
• An increased incidence (up to six times) of suicide.

Ironically, while abortion is promoted as “freedom of choice”, many women end up choosing abortion because they feel they have NO freedom and NO choice.  (Research shows up to 65 percent of abortions are coerced or include physical force.)

Any traumatic event can result in PTSD and abortion is no exception, resulting in PASS.  Even those who argue that PASS does not exist will acknowledge that having an abortion may cause feelings of sadness, grief, or regret.

At this time, the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association does not recognize PASS. In fact, life advocates are accused of creating PASS to further their political agendas.

Abortion advocates will promote the procedure as a benefit to women.  After 40 years of abortion on demand, however, there is more and more evidence to the contrary.

Abortion is rarely discussed, even though it is the most common medical procedure in America. The sense of loneliness, guilt and self-hatred is further perpetuated by the silence and/or perceived stigma.

The November 2012 election generated disturbing media coverage entitled the “war on women.”   Indeed.  Abortion’s regime has opened the door to exploitation of women on a scale never before seen.  No ‘benefit’ before or since Roe v Wade has ever caused such widespread destruction to women – and their families.

Mother Teresa said: “The so-called right to abortion has pitted mothers against their children and women against men. It has sown violence and discord at the heart of the most intimate of human relationships.”

There is forgiveness and healing for women who seek it.

If you or someone you know suffers from Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome, please call the National Helpline for Abortion Recovery at (866)-482-5433.  You can find more information concerning the after-effects of abortion at www.afterabortion.org.

Suzanne L. Ward
Georgia Right to Life
Public Relations/Education
suzanneward@grtl.org