Some people seem to come through an abortion
unchanged. Others struggle for years with feelings of grief,
guilt, shame, anxiety, low self-esteem, anger, or depression.
Still others have problems with nightmares, eating disor
ders, broken or abusive relationships, substance abuse, and
even suicide.
It is possible for any woman to unexpectedly have a bad
emotional reaction to an abortion. But researchers have
identified several factors that predict which women are most
likely to suffer the most severe reactions.
The best-established risk factors includg: feeling pres
sured to have an abortion; strong maternal tendencies; a
desired pregnancy; feelings of attachment to the unborn
child; a history of prior psychological illness or emotional
instability; lack of support from her parents or her male
partner; adolescence; prior beliefs that abortion is immoral;
a history of prior abortion(s); or abortion in the second or
third trimester.
A woman who has one or more of these factors is likely
to have strong negative reactions to an abortion. The best
estimates indicate that at least four out of every five women
undergoing abortion today fall into one or more of these
high-risk categories. How many of these women will actual
ly have post-abortion emotional problems is still unknown.
For a more complete list of known risk factors, plus a
breakdown of the percentages of women seeking abortion
who fall within many of these categories, and citations to
the medical literature documenting these risk factors, visit
our web site at www.afterabortion.org and follow the link to
the Hope and Healing version of this article.
Finding the Right Help.
Is Just a Phone Gall Away
When looking for a post-abortion counselor or support group, keep in mind that many
of these groups have different philosophies and approaches.
Many are run by women who have had abortions themselves. Some are run by
licensed psychiatrists, psychologists, or social workers. Others are extensions of
churches or crisis pregnancy centers.
Be sure to ask lots of questions in order to find a group or counselor with whom
you feel comfortable.
In some cases, especially if you have a history of psychological problems or other
trauma that may complicate your abortion problems, you may need the help of a pro
fessional counselor.
Don’t expect that just any licehsed counselor can help you. Indeed, many profes
sional counselors are unaware of or may even be politically hostile to post-abortion
issues. Many women have reported that their therapist’s insistence on looking at
everything but their abortion made their problems worse.
If you want a professional counselor, make sure you find a therapist who has expe
rience and training specifically in the field of post-abortion counseling. Your local
post-abortion ministry or crisis pregnancy center can probably refer you to one.
The following is a partial list of the many organizations offering post-abortion counseling either by
phone or by providing referrals to a network of counselors around the country.
In recent years, many crisis pregnancy centers have also begun to offer post-abortion counseling.
You may want to inquire about post-abortion counseling by calling your local crisis pregnancy center
or asking for a referral from a sympathetic pastor at your local church. Many post-abortion counsel
ing services are free.
CARENET
Fathers & Brothers
Healing Hearts Ministry
HEART Inc.
Last Harvest Ministries
Men's Abortion Recovery
America's Crisis Pregnancy Helpline
(703) 478-5661
(303) 494-3282
(888) 217-8679
(513) 528-6040
(972) 840-3553
(610) 384-3210
(800) 672-2296
National Memorial for the Unborn
National Office of Post-Abortion
Reconciliation and Healing
Rapho
(refers only to licensed counselors)
Rachel's Vineyard Retreats
Victims of Choice
(800) 505-5565
(800) 593-2273
(800)383-4673
877-HOPE-4-ME
(630) 378-1680
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Published by: Elliot Institute, PO Box 7348, Springfield, IL 62791-7348. Editor: David C. Reardon, Ph.D. Assistant Editor: Amy Sobie. © 1998 Elliot Institute. The Elliot Institute was founded in 1988 to promote post-abortion healing and to undertake original research and education on
the impact of abortion on women, men, siblings, and society.
Contributions to the Elliot Institute, a nonprofit, 501(03 organization, are tax deductible. Much more information is available on our web site at www.afterabortion.org.
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