Missionaries of the Sacred

Unfortunately, the general public largely ignores the negative effects of abortion. Groups that promote access to abortion often claim that abortion has no negative impact on a woman’s mental health, making it even more difficult for women who are experiencing grief, guilt or other difficulties to seek help. Women who later experience grief and suffering may believe that their reactions are abnormal and that there is nowhere to turn for help.

Anecdotal evidence from counselors who work with women seeking healing after an abortion (such as those who work with Project Rachel) shows that the negative impact of abortion is frequently delayed. Shortly after the abortion a woman may feel relief, with symptoms of grief developing 5 to 12 years later. In addition to grief, women report experiencing low self-esteem, alienation from friends and family, depression, difficulty concentrating, guilt, anger towards self or others involved in the abortion, sleep disorders, alcohol and drug problems, and anniversary reactions of grief or depression on the date of the abortion or the due date.

Abortion can also emotionally affect the father of the baby as well as grandparents, whether they were involved in the decision or only found out afterwards.

If someone you love is emotionally affected by abortion and comes to you, there are some general steps that you can take to help.

Resources for Post Abortion Healing:

• Project Rachel
• Rachel’s Vineyard
• Find an abortion recovery program near you
• Abortion's Aftermath (with link to How to Talk to a Friend Who Has Had an Abortion)
• A Special Word to Women Who Have Had an Abortion

*Please note that the links above lead to external websites. The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart are not responsible for the content of these websites and offer these links solely for informational purposes.