It’s no secret that abortion is widely supported in our culture. People have rallied and advocated for increased abortion access. Public figures endorse candidates who champion it. Many women share that their abortions enabled them to pursue their goals. Yet women experiencing trauma after abortion may feel their voices are unheard and unwanted.
If you’re living with abortion trauma, please know you’re not alone and your experience is valid. Continue reading to discover ways to cope with trauma and find supportive resources.
Does Abortion Cause Trauma?
Every woman’s experience is unique. While some women report no trauma following their abortions, research indicates that women may experience trauma-related symptoms after abortion, including[1]:
- Distressing dreams about babies
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feelings of anger, sadness, guilt, and shame
- Attempts to suppress the experience
- Avoidance of reminders related to the abortion, such as babies or children
- Substance abuse
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or the urge to self-harm, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 for immediate assistance.
What Causes Abortion Trauma?
Abortion trauma can stem from various sources. Some examples include:
- Physical discomfort and complications. Abortions can be very painful. The procedure and its physical side effects can sometimes feel overwhelming. These experiences can create lasting, difficult memories.
- Coercion or pressure. If you felt pressured into the abortion—whether by a partner, family member, or someone you trusted—you may experience feelings of powerlessness, betrayal, or anger. Lack of agency in the decision can intensify emotional pain.
- Values and faith. Abortion may conflict with personal or religious beliefs. Some women feel criticized when the topic comes up in faith communities. The sense of isolation can deepen when you feel unable to discuss your experience with others in your religious circle.
How to Cope with Abortion Trauma
Abortion trauma doesn’t need to define your future. There are pathways to cope, heal, and move forward. Here are some suggestions to support your emotional healing:
1. Acknowledge and Accept Your Emotions
There’s no “correct” way to feel following an abortion. Avoid pressuring yourself to feel a certain way or to heal quickly. You may experience many different, even contradictory emotions after an abortion, and that’s completely understandable. Allow yourself to acknowledge and accept your emotions as they come, without self-judgment.
2. Practice Self-Care
Don’t lose sight of your worth. You matter and you deserve to heal from your abortion experience. Incorporate regular self-care practices to nurture your emotional well-being.
Self-care might include:
- Getting adequate rest, staying hydrated, and maintaining proper nutrition to manage your symptoms
- Limiting social media exposure to prevent emotional triggers
- Making time for activities that bring you happiness
- Opening up to trusted individuals and accepting their support
- Seeking professional counseling or participating in an after-abortion support group
3. Join an After-Abortion Support Group
Isolation only intensifies guilt and shame. Participating in an after-abortion support group provides a safe space to process the difficult emotions you’ve been carrying in a caring, compassionate setting.
Participants in our programs have expressed how valuable the small groups have been and cherish their connections with others who have shared similar experiences.
4. Give Yourself Time
As you work through your emotional healing, remember that recovery rarely follows a straight path. You’ll experience both difficult and better days. Memories may emerge months or even years down the road. Show yourself patience during those moments and allow yourself whatever time you need to heal.
Contact H3Helpline for After-Abortion Support and Resources
At H3Helpline, we’re committed to ensuring no one faces abortion trauma alone. If you’re seeking additional support, reach out today. We can connect you with local after-abortion resources to help you on your healing journey.
Give us a call at 866-721-7881 to get started. All services are confidential and free of charge!
Please note that H3Helpline does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Shuping, M. (2016). Counterpoint: Long-Lasting Distress After Abortion. South Carolina Legislature. https://www.scstatehouse.gov/CommitteeInfo/SenateMedicalAffairsCommittee/Shuping%20Long-lasting%20Distress%20after%20Abortion.pdf