Post Abortion Stress Syndrome in Women
Over the years studies have shown some degree of post-abortion trauma
or negative effects on individuals who have had an abortion. This
trauma is known as Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome otherwise known
as "PAS." It is a series of symptoms experienced by some
women who have had an abortion. Their immediate response may be
profound relief, but over time a woman may experience regret and
loss of her unborn child. The emotional and psychological trauma
of an abortion is often ignored or underplayed in our society, therefore
a woman's grief over the loss is seldom recognized or acknowledged.
Women who suffer after an abortion often feel isolated and alone. Frequently they deny their own feelings, because confronting those feelings is too frightening or painful. While a woman may have acquired enough coping skills to function, her repressed pain remains. When she comes to a point in her life where she recognizes the need to deal with a past abortion, grief and guilt must be allowed to surface and be resolved.
What are the symptoms of PAS in women?
• A desire to replace the baby (preoccupation with becoming pregnant again)
• Anger
• Anniversary grief (on the anniversary of the abortion or due date of the aborted child)
• Anxiety over fertility and childbearing issues
• Avoidance of babies, small children, or anything to do with pregnancy or abortion
• Betrayal
• Bitterness
• Broken or abusive relationships
• Depression (with an unexplained source)
• Distrust
• Eating disorders
• Flashbacks of the abortion
• Fear of future pregnancies
• Grief
• Guilt
• Helplessness
• Lowered self-esteem
• Nightmares or sleep disorders
• Problems bonding with other children
• Remorse
• Resentment
• Self-destructive behaviors
• Sexual dysfunction
• Shame
• Substance abuse (psychological numbness)
• Suicidal thoughts or tendencies
• Uncontrollable crying
Many women struggle with relationships as a result of these underlying symptoms.
When do PAS symptoms occur?
Some research studies have suggested that negative reactions to abortion are minor, affect only a small percentage of women and are short lived. However, former Surgeon General C. Everett Coup noted that the "greatest flaw" of these studies was that they were short term, for three months or less from the date of the abortion. Typically it is not until many months or several years after the abortion experience that a woman will begin to suffer from negative reactions to an abortion.
Are there support groups for women who suffer from Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome?
Yes, many women have found healing from their abortion losses. Real
Choices Pregnancy Care Center has post-abortion support groups which
offer a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment. Here
a woman can share her experiences and feelings. In dealing with
her grief she is better able to reach a level of peace about her
loss.
If you're interested in joining a women's PAS support group, contact us.
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Post Abortion Stress Syndrome in Men
Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome ("PAS")is a disorder commonly experienced by men who have fathered children who were aborted. Through denial of any responsibility for the abortion, some men block the natural process of grieving and dealing with the death of their child.
What are the symptoms of PAS in men?
• Unable to bond with children
• Disturbance in sleep patterns
• Avoidance behaviors
• Substance abuse
• Sexual dysfunction
• Guilt
• Shame
• Anger
• Inability to relax
• Loneliness
• Emotional numbness
• Depression
• Sense of loss
• Low self-esteem
Many men struggle with relationships as a result of these underlying symptoms.
It is healthy for men who have been affected by an abortion to grieve the loss of their child. They need to find closure and healing from the issues that are frequently unidentified as related to the abortion.
What support is there for a man suffering from PAS?
Many men have found the healing they need from their abortion losses. Real Choices Pregnancy Care Center's Post - Abortion Support Group, (Fathers and Brothers) for men offers the safety and security of other men who have shared and understand their situation. With their support and a Bible study designed to help them heal, many men have found the peace they long for.
If you're interested in joining a men's PAS support group, contact us.
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