Some women experience strong negative emotions within days and sometimes after many years following an abortion.  This is a psychological effect known as Post Abortion Stress (PAS).  Factors such as the women's age, the circumstances surrounding the abortion, the stage of pregnancy at which it occurred, and the women's religious beliefs impact the likelihood and severity of PAS.

PAS falls under the description of Post Traumatic Stress disorder, which occurs when a person undergoes a traumatic experience that is beyond their ability to cope.  The person wants to forget about the event, but at the same time is driven to express the feelings of pain, fear and many times, loss.

Getting Help

If you identify with any of the Post Abortion Stress Symptoms, don't try to handle it alone.  Find an understanding person to talk to.  You may need counsel to work through your feelings about the abortion.  Seek out a post abortion counselor or support group.

Our Center provides a peer counselor to speak, as well as a post abortion support healing and Bible study.  We can connect you to someone who you can talk to.  You are not alone.

Some Tasks of Healing

Remember the pain, in a safe and supportive atmosphere.  Identify and release the anger and hurt.  Grieve the loss, even when your choice ended the pregnancy.

God offers forgiveness and healing

Accept God's forgiveness.  God forgives, restores and does not punish.  We will experience the consequences of our decisions.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9 NIV)

" I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more." (Isaiah 43:25 NIV)

To discuss this topic with a peer counselor, stop at the Center, 251 East Avenue, Lockport or call (716) 434-0251 to make an appointment or to talk directly to a someone who can answer your questions.