After Your Abortion ~ Emotional & Spiritual Concerns
Abortion is a unique experience for each woman who chooses it. It’s common to have some strong feelings afterwards.
"Healing is your right.
You deserve to feel whole and free again.
You are worthy of joy.”
— Marilyn Gryte, Inner Healing After Abortion (available at Preterm and from Gryte's website)
You might feel relief that you made a difficult decision about your life and pride that you handled the procedure well. You might also feel loss, sadness, depression, or anxiety. It can help to share these feelings with someone close to you.
If you have had previous trauma or depression, you may be particularly vulnerable at this time, and it is important to take care of yourself and seek help if you need it.
You may also have spiritual questions about your experience. Depending on your religious community, you may find great comfort at this time or you may find yourself at odds with what you have been taught or once believed. Know that many people of deep faith support you and believe in your role as a moral decision maker.
Whatever your beliefs, we at Preterm want you to know that you are not alone. Your spirituality is honored here. If have questions or you feel spiritually troubled right now, please see Abortion & Spirituality for more thoughts and resources.
If you have feelings you think are disturbing or out-of-control, seek help. Ask your family doctor or gynecologist to refer you to a source of help or call Preterm to talk with an advocate about your feelings and discuss further steps to take. You can make an appointment for a post-abortion counseling session at no cost.
