Experiencing P.A.S.S. (Post-Abortive Stress Syndrome)

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Initially many women feel relief after an abortion and look forward to getting their life back to where it was before they became pregnant. But days, weeks, months or even years later many emotions can surface as a result of an abortion decision. The following are several post-abortion emotional reactions that some women experience:

                Denial…

                                Shame…

                                                Regret…

                                                                Anger…

                                                                                Guilt…

                                                                                                Unforgiveness.

There is evidence that abortion is associated with depression and anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, symptoms consistent with PTSD, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. 

Shortly after my abortion I began telling others about my experience, letting them know what I had done; looking back, I see that I was seeking their approval and acceptance of my actions. Inwardly, I was struggling with anger and unforgiveness towards my “boyfriend,” who pressured me to abort. 

Years later a friend told me about Post-Abortion Counseling and Education (P.A.C.E.). I received the help I needed to forgive and heal my heart. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with a past abortion, you are not alone. There is help. Contact Care Net PRC in Neosho for peer counseling and education without judgment. If you or someone you know is considering abortion, you have the right to know there are negative emotions that could affect you for the rest of your life. 

“The eight-week study brought me to terms with the pain, guilt, and grief of my abortion.

I received forgiveness and forgave those who hurt me.

Thank you Care Net in Neosho.”

                                                                Quote from a woman

who had an abortion 21 years ago.

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