Struggling after an abortion?

Post abortion grief

A woman can feel a range of emotions following an abortion, including ambivalence, relief, sadness and guilt. Many women suppress their true feelings following the termination, as they try to continue their lives as before.

If these thoughts and feelings are left unexpressed or unresolved, they can be unexpectedly triggered at a later time.

The following factors can influence your reactions following a termination:

• The conditions under which conception occurred.
• Availability of information regarding options prior to the termination.
• The extent to which feelings were expressed, and so be communicated and confided to others.
• The degree of pressure exerted by a partner or family members.
• The level and quality of support before and after the procedure.
• Whether or not the decision to terminate was consistent with, or has been able to be integrated into the personal values and belief systems.
• Past experiences such as childhood memories, relationships and previous losses.
• Previous history of pregnancy or loss of a pregnancy.
• Personal coping strategies and any previous history of depression.

PCL offers loss and grief counselling if you are experiencing difficulty in coping emotionally following a pregnancy termination.

Some women may find they need counselling many years after an abortion. PCL counsellors are qualified in this specialized area and are here for you to give unconditional support.

Click here to make an appointment for face to face counselling, or use our easy email form for further information.