Post-abortion care – emotional responses to abortion

Will I be depressed after an abortion?

In most cases, counselling or therapy is not required after an abortion. Women are often sure of their decision to have an abortion and therefore rarely have regrets about it afterwards. This is supported by various studies and experiences that have been shared cross-culturally. In fact evidence points out that abortion poses no more risks to women’s mental health than to raise an unplanned child in challenging conditions or to place a child for adoption.

At Women on Web, we believe that women can make responsible choices about their own bodies. Our services are based on trusting women and enabling them to make decisions about their lives and well-being.

In fact, the most common emotional reaction after an abortion is relief. Of course, it is natural to feel emotional after an abortion; women often experience a mix of feelings, including sadness and loss as well. In most cases, however, people are able to overcome their emotions after an abortion without any professional assistance.

Unwanted pregnancies can happen to anyone. About 73 million women worldwide have an abortion each year. Having an abortion does not make you a bad person nor are you alone in thinking about having one.

There are several questions women ask when faced with an abortion: “What factors do women suffer from after an abortion?”, “What is post-abortion syndrome?”, “How do I heal from an abortion?” … If you want to know more about these questions, please click here

Our website also contains stories of people who have had an abortion. Click here.

Access to abortion is a human right, and Women on Web is working to ensure that people around the world have access to safe and affordable abortion services. Click here to find out more about our medical abortion services.

If you are worried about an unwanted pregnancy and are wanting to have an abortion, please email us at info@womenonweb.org or fill out an online consultation here.