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Post Abortion Stress Syndrome
What is it? This happens when a woman is unable to: 1) process the fear, anger, sadness and guilt surrounding her abortion experience, 2) grieve the loss of her baby, and 3) come to peace with God, herself and others involved in the abortion decision.
Mental health providers are treating an increasing number of women who are suffering mental and emotional difficulties as a result of induced abortions. ("Do You Really Want an Abortion?", Easton Publishing Co., Inc., 1999)
How does PASS develop?
A woman faced with an unplanned pregnancy experiences a tremendous amount of fear and anxiety about her situation, and she seeks a fast solution to her dilemma. Since abortion is legal and sanctioned socially, it is the choice she is likely to make, even though she may be violating her own moral code in doing so. Immediately after the procedure, she will usually feel profound relief that the crisis is over, for better or worse. But any moral struggle she felt prior to the abortion will resurface eventually, at which point she will question her decision. in many cases, she may learn more about fetal development, or undergo a change in moral perspective, which will also lead to uncertainty about her past choice.
Defense Mechanisms
Many women go into a defense mode after the abortion and knowing she cannot go back and 'undo' the abortion. These mechanisms help her to protect her from uncomfortable feelings and thoughts.
- Rationalization of the abortion. Finding logical reasons, explanations, and excuses for having had the abortion.
- Repression. A way of preventing unconscious information from reaching the conscious mind - blocking out memories of the painful emotions surrounding the abortion.
- Compensation. Making up for the abortion by doing 'good things', or working very hard to prove that the abortion was really necessary.
- Reaction formation. The pushing down of frightening feelings and thoughts connected with a past abortion by vehemently professing the exact opposite of those feelings - as if by expressing the contrary thought enough times, one can begin to believe it.
Symptoms of PASS
The defense systems may work for a while, but if enough stress enters her life, she may find it difficult to cope with current stresses and continue repressing "forgotten" memories. These symptoms may not all appear at once, and some of these may occur immediately after the abortion while others may not show up for years after the abortion. If you have 3 or more of these listed, you may very well be going through PASS.
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Guilt |
Anger |
| Anxiety |
Depression |
| Suicidal Thoughts |
Anniversary Grief |
| Flashbacks of Abortion |
Sexual Dysfunction |
| Relationship Problems |
Eating Disorders |
| Alcohol & Drug Abuse |
Psychological Reactions |
Healing From PASS
Here are some steps to go through to start the healing process.
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Working through the denial. She must first get hold of the negative feelings that surround the abortion experience. Find a safe, supportive environment where the experience can be talked about with others.
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Dealing with issues of guilt and forgiveness from God. After admitting and accepting the guilt of abortion, she can then move on to taking hold of the forgiveness that God offers to her.
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Letting go of anger towards others involved in the abortion through forgiveness and accepting forgiveness for herself.
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Grieving the loss of the aborted child.
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