Who is at risk?

Specific factors have been identified which predispose a woman toward developing emotional problems after an abortion. The more factors that one has, the higher the chances of her developing "Post Abortion Syndrome (PAS)." There is help available for those who are suffering emotionally from a prior abortion. It's called post abortion counseling, and most pregnancy centers offer help at no charge. To find the Center nearest you, call 1-800-395-HELP.

To find out if you if you need healing, take the questionnaire called, "How Do I Know If I Need Healing." If you have checked off more than one symptom, you could be suffering from PAS. There is help available today. You don't need to suffer in silence or be alone in your thoughts. You can be free. Healing and reconciliation are available. Please call today.

HIGH RISK FACTORS FOR DEVELOPING POST ABORTION SYNDROME (PAS)

IN WOMEN:

Women who feel they were coerced into having an abortion, by either a person or a situation.

Women who are motherly, tender hearted and sensitive.

Women who have had incest in her past.

Women who felt ambivalent about the abortion decision.

Women who were raised in a religious home where morals and values were clear.

Women who have had more than one abortion.

Women who had abortions due to fetal anomalies. These women often feel that they were pressured into making a fast decision by the medical community, and often have some anger issues.

Women who were awake during the procedure and may have had visual contact with the fetus.

Women who had a 2nd or 3rd trimester abortion. They are confronted with the knowledge of how well-developed their baby was.

Women who have recently become pregnant with a "wanted" child. This may trigger a grief response for the aborted child.

Women who had existing children at the time of the abortion.

Women who learn about fetal development for the 1st time. Realization that it is more than a "blob of tissue" can cause shock and grief.

Women with prior emotional problems.

Women who have just had a spiritual experience where a whole new sense of morality has been implemented.

IN MEN:

Men who are excluded from the abortion decision.

Men who are prolife.

Married men whose spouses abort against their will.

Men who are ambiguous about the abortion decision.

STAGES OF POST ABORTION SYNDROME (PAS)

Generally there are stages one goes through following an abortion. Not everyone will experience every one or even in this order, but these are common stages that have been documented by researchers on PAS.

Relief--agony of having to make a decision is finally over. The "problem" is resolved, for better or worse.

Denial or repression-- burying the hurtful emotions surrounding this experience.

Anger--Toward anyone who helped cast the "deciding vote"; the ones who pressured her for the "right" reasons. (Boyfriends, husbands, parents, siblings, friends).

Depression and bitterness-- sets in. "I will not forget or forgive. No one will ever hurt me again." Builds a wall around herself for protection.

Distancing self from God-- "God could never forgive me, so why try?"

STEPS TOWARD HEALING and RESTORATION

Post abortion counseling involves several steps which are very briefly outlined below. There are numerous web sites detailing a more thorough examination of this subject. Three such resources are www.ramahinternational.org, www.rachelsvineyard.org, or www.afterabortion.org.

Acceptance of Responsibility-- She acknowledges and accepts her responsibility in ending the life of her child. No more blame-shifting.

Acceptance of God's unconditional forgiveness-- on an emotional, rather than a cerebral level of awareness.

Forgiving one's self.

Extending forgiveness toward others-- who helped make the abortion decision.

Reconciliation with the aborted child.

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