There is no reason to suffer or grieve silently. Reach out. We are here to help.

Millions of women will have an abortion this year alone. However, few women talk about having an abortion. They just stuff the feelings down inside and hope they go away. For some of them, the memories never subside. For many women, having an abortion goes against her own moral code, which is why she may feel such guilt and remorse afterward. This guilt may keep her from getting the support and help she needs and deserves. This is called Post-Abortion Syndrome (PAS). PAS is a form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This can prevent women from resuming their normal lives after the abortion. The symptoms from PTSD or PAS differ depending on the girl/women but they are real and need to be dealt with. We are here to help!

Some Symptoms of Post-Abortion Syndrome

Sudden and uncontrollable crying Sleep, appetite, and sexual disturbances Guilt and/or anxiety Avoidance behaviors Psychological “numbing” Sad Mood, depression, low self-esteem Re-experiencing events related to the abortion Preoccupation with becoming pregnant again Anxiety over fertility and childbearing issues Disruption of the bonding with present or future children Self-abuse/self-destructive behaviors/abusive relationships Reactions to the anniversary of the abortion/birthdate

Hope for Healing

Thousands of women (and men) will seek and receive help this year; you can be one of them. If you are in central Iowa call us or worldwide call Focus on the Family’s Crisis Pregnancy Ministry at (719) 531-3460. They can put you in touch with groups in your area who will know how to take you through the healing journey. Excerpts taken from Identifying and Overcoming Post-Abortion Syndrome Teri K. Reisser, M.S., M.F.T., & Paul C. Reisser, M.D.