The Dynamics of Abortion

Initial Reactions/Lasting Effects of Abortion

Although the actual reactions and consequences of abortion are as individual as the people who experience abortion, there are some basic norms that are considered quite common.

Initial Reactions

There are three basic initial reactions to abortion:

1. The first is relief leading to denial. The crisis has passed. It was horrible, but she survived it and now she can go on with her life. This is the onset of denial, a self-protective state which allows the individual to carry on with life as though nothing has happened. Denial can last anywhere from a few hours to 40 years or more. Until the denial is broken and the abortion is faced, healing cannot take place. Even within the constraints of denial however, some symptoms of Post-Abortion Stress may surface. Some of the most common reactions at this point are self-destructive behaviors such as abusing drugs, alcohol, or food; entering into destructive relationships; neglecting health issues; experiencing unexplained depression or rage; or behaving in ways that bring about unrelated consequences (such as poor job performance resulting in being fired, etc.).
2. The second initial reaction to abortion is relief followed by a realization of what she has done. Upon facing this realization, she either goes into denial in order to protect herself from the overwhelming emotions, or she enters into deep emotional distress.
3. The third initial reaction is immediate regret and utter devastation. This woman has probably gone into the abortion procedure knowing deep down that it is wrong, but for whatever reason, she feels powerless to make any other choice. Often this woman will regret her decision before the procedure is even complete. She may even try to stop the procedure after it has begun, only to be restrained and/or comforted by a reminder that it will all be over soon. Unfortunately, these words will hold no comfort for her as she knows now how desperately she wants her baby back - but it's too late. There is no turning back. She knows her life will never be the same again. Her grief is deep. Her guilt is overwhelming. And shame sets in to secure that the secret is kept locked away. For this woman, post-abortion stress syndrome sets in immediately and her world is turned upside down.

Lasting Effects of Abortion

Consequences of Abortion:

Abortion can and often does affect the whole person. There are several natural consequences that follow abortion. Some of the possibilities include:

Physical Consequences:

• Infection
• Infertility
• Miscarriage in subsequent pregnancies
• Breast cancer
• Mutilation
• Death--among others

Emotional Consequences:

• Post Abortion Syndrome (See below.)

Spiritual Consequences

• Sin-any sin-hinders our fellowship with our Heavenly Father.
  1. "You rebuke and discipline men for their sin..." Psalm 39:11
  2. "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened..." Psalm 66:18
  3. "Many times He delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion and they wasted away in their sin." Psalm 106:43

What is Post-Abortion Stress?

Post-Abortion Stress (PAS) is a form of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD). PTSD is the result of having suffered an event so stressful and so traumatic that the person is taken beyond his/her ability to cope in a normal manner. Victims of PTSD are unable to simply resume their lives where they left off before the traumatic event. Instead they experience a variety of reactions that do not go away merely with the passage of time. Although the symptoms of PTSD (and PAS) are varied, and although they may not surface for years after the trauma, they are nonetheless real and should be dealt with.

The events leading up to and including the abortion itself are often of such a traumatic nature that PTSD or Post-Abortion Stress (PAS) is often the result. Few if any of those who choose abortion are prepared for its devastating effects.

• Possible Symptoms of Post-Abortion Stress in Women:
  • Depression
  • Sad Mood
  • Sudden and Uncontrollable Crying
  • Deterioration of Self-Esteem
  • Disruption in Interpersonal Relationships
  • Sleep, Appetite, and Sexual Disturbances
  • Reduced Motivation
  • Thoughts of Suicide
  • "Anniversary Syndrome" (An increase of symptoms around the time of the anniversary of the abortion and/or the due date of the aborted child.)
  • Re-experiencing the Abortion
  • Preoccupation with Becoming Pregnant Again
  • Anxiety over Fertility and Childbearing Issues
  • Disruption of the Bonding Process with Present or Future Children
  • Survival Guilt: ...the decision boiled down to a sorrowful conclusion: "It's me or you, and I choose me"
  • Development of Eating Disorders
  • Alcohol and Drug Abuse
  • Inability to accept or offer forgiveness pertaining to the abortion
  • Other Self-Punishing or Self-Degrading Behaviors: abusive relationships, promiscuity, failing to take care of yourself medically or deliberately hurting yourself emotionally and/or physically
  • Brief Reactive Psychosis: an episode of drastically distorted reality within two weeks of the abortion

• Possible Symptoms of Post-Abortion Stress in Men:
  • Intense anger
  • Depression
  • Low self-esteem
  • Mistrust of women (if she got pregnant in order to "trap" him, or if she had the abortion without his consent)
  • Difficulty in establishing and maintaining close relationships with others
  • May be overcome with guilt, shame, remorse
  • May abuse drugs, alcohol, food to numb the pain
  • May feel estranged from God; unforgivable