What is Post Abortion Stress?

"I made the best choice at the time. Why do I feel so bad now?"

Many men and women are surprised by their reaction to an abortion. Initially some may experience relief. Then other emotions surface: grief, shame, depression, crying, guilt, anger, regret.

It is not uncommon to experience nightmares, flashbacks to the abortion, lowered self-esteem, problems with intimacy or substance abuse.

The intensity of after abortion grief varies from sadness to suicidal feelings. The aftermath is often delayed for many years after the abortion. CareNet's RESTORE program has people coming in on average seven years following their abortion. One man's abortion experience was over 30 years ago.

According to a survey released by the Elliot Institute:

• 90% of women regretted having had the abortion.
• 70% rated their emotional aftereffects as severe.
• 87% now believe that the abortion was the wrong choice.
• 61% believe that their abortion made their life worse.