Printer-friendly versionThis 2002 article further explores the impact of abortion on those involved.     Psalm 27:14  “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and he shall strengthen thine heart.” POST-ABORTION SYNDROME This is the second in the series on Post-Abortion Syndrome.  The series is developed to foster greater understanding of the complex issues surrounding post-abortion trauma.  In this issue research data and statistics are provided courtesy of David C. Reardon, Ph.D., of The Elliot Institute via their Internet site: www.afterabortion.org.   Understanding the Psychological/Emotional Effects of Abortion Every woman is different.  They have different responses that may appear in different time frames.  Some women repress or are unaware of any after-effects for years.  Many reactions are delayed but are triggered later by significant events such as the birth of a child, the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a religious conversion.   Studies within the first few weeks after the abortion have found that between 40–60 percent of women questioned report negative reactions.  Within 8 weeks after their abortions, 55 percent expressed guilt, 44 percent complained of nervous disorders, 36 percent had experienced sleep disturbances, 31 percent had regrets about their decision, and 11 percent had been prescribed psychotropic medicine by their family doctor.   Thirty to fifty percent of abortive women report experiencing sexual dysfunctions, of both short and long duration, beginning immediately after their abortions.  These problems may include one or more of the following: loss of pleasure from intercourse, increased pain, an aversion to sex and/or males in general, or the development of a promiscuous life-style.   Many abortive women develop an intense longing to become pregnant again in order to “make up” for the lost pregnancy, with 18 percent succeeding within one year of the abortion.  Unfortunately, many women who succeed at obtaining their “wanted” replacement pregnancies discover that the same problems which pressured them into having their first abortion still exist, and so they end up feeling “forced” into yet another abortion.   In a study of teenage abortion patients, half suffered a worsening of psychosocial functioning within 7 months after the abortion.  The immediate impact appeared to be greatest on the patients who were under 17 years of age and for those with previous psychosocial problems.  Symptoms included: self-reproach, depression, social regression, withdrawal, obsession with need to become pregnant again, and hasty marriages.   The best available data indicates that on average there is a 5 to 10 year period of denial during which a woman who was traumatized by her abortion will repress her feelings.  During this time, the woman may go to great lengths to avoid people, situations, or events she associates with her abortion and she may
even vocally defend abortion in order to convince others, and herself, that she made the right choice and is satisfied with the outcome.  In reality, these women who are subsequently identified as having been severely traumatized, have failed to reach a true state of “closure” with regard to their experiences.   Other women, who appear to have been satisfied with their abortion experience, are reported to enter into emotional crisis decades later with the onset of menopause or after their youngest child leaves home. Women who have undergone post-abortion counseling report over 100 major reactions to abortion.  Among the most frequently reported are: Loss of self-esteem
Depression                                                    
Self-destructive behavior                                  
Sleep disorders 
Memory loss                                                   
Sexual dysfunction 
Chronic problems with relationships                
Dramatic personality changes 
Anxiety attacks                                    
Guilt and remorse 
Difficulty grieving                                    
Increased tendency toward violence 
Chronic crying                                      
Difficulty concentrating 
Flashbacks                                                      
Difficulty bonding with later children 
Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities and people   Among the most worrisome of these reactions is the increase of self-destructive behavior among abortive women.  In a survey of over 100 women who suffered from post-abortion trauma, fully 80 percent expressed feelings of “self-hatred.”  In the same study, 49 percent reported drug abuse and 39 percent began to use or increase their use of alcohol.  Approximately 14 percent described themselves as having become “addicted” or “alcoholic” after their abortions.  In addition, 60 percent reported suicidal ideation, with 28 percent actually attempting suicide, of which half attempted suicide two or more times.   A recent Elliot Institute study has established a strong statistical correlation between abortion and subsequent drug or alcohol abuse.  This finding is based on a national, random sample of 700 women participating in a reproductive history survey.   After excluding women who engaged in substance abuse prior to their first pregnancy, the Elliot Institute researchers found that of the women surveyed, those who aborted their first pregnancy were 3.9 times more likely to engage in subsequent drug or alcohol abuse than those who have never had an abortion.   Researchers who have studied substance abuse have long reported that women are more likely than men to date the onset of alcohol or drug abuse to a particular stressful event or a “definite life situation.”   (A paper detailing the complete results of the Elliot Institute findings on the link between abortion and substance abuse is in the process of undergoing a peer review.  Copies are available for $10.00.  Please include a self-addressed envelope to: The Elliot Institute, P.O. Box 73478, Springfield, IL 62791-7348.)   In predicting those clients most likely to experience post-abortion syndrome, Reardon has outlined several developmental limitations describing women who are at increased risk: adolescence and minors, those with prior emotional or psychiatric problems, those lacking social support, and clients who have experienced previous abortions.  Indeed, because so many, if not all, clients “fit” one or more of these descriptions, pregnancy center staff and volunteers need to use every opportunity to inform clients with the facts about post-abortion syndrome.  Informing the client is the first step towards helping her understand the struggles and fears she is experiencing.   Copyright 2002 Heartbeat International. Used with permission.   This is the second in a series on Post-Abortion Syndrome compiled and edited by Beverly J. Wilson.  A recent addition to the Heartbeat staff, Beverly is a native of Great Britain.  She has directed two pregnancy centers, one in Kaiserslautern, Germany and the other in Fort Worth, Texas.  Beverly assumes responsibility as Administrative Director of Affiliates and Director of International Affiliates.