Abortion and Its Effects

An abortion is defined as the termination of a pregnancy by the removal or expulsion of an embryo/fetus. In many cases of unplanned pregnancies, abortion has presented itself as an easy way out as it gives one the impression that their lives can return to a sense of normalcy.

Yet in reality, abortion can be met with numerous emotional and psychological impacts which affects women’s health in various ways. Hence, it is important for you to be aware and understand that such grave decisions are not meant to be taken lightly.

Understanding Your Emotions 

Although the emotional and psychological effects following an abortion are vast, varying in extent from person to person, the ones most commonly experienced are as follows. 

1) Guilt and Regret: After an abortion, some women are saddened by the thought of having failed to give their baby a chance at life. As a result, they develop immense guilt and regret, accompanied by doubts regarding whether they made the right choice. 

2) Grief: When some women struggle to cope with the loss of their child’s life, and how he or she could have potentially developed. 

3) Shame: Deep feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy in the case where one grows to become embarrassed of their decision.

4) Emotional Numbness: Emotional shutdown as a mechanism for one to cope with their overwhelming feelings.

Usually, these feelings can be felt more strongly especially when it is approaching important and pertinent dates such as the anniversary of the abortion, and/or the baby’s estimated due date. Witnessing the milestones of growth in other babies (e.g., birthdays, 100 days) can also exacerbate such feelings as one will get exceptionally reminded of their loss. 

How Are These Feelings Caused

Such negative emotions are not purely attributed to oneself, rather it is a combination of hormonal changes, external influences and circumstantial factors which result as such. 

1) Hormonal Changes

An abortion causes a drop in several pregnancy hormones such as Estrogen, Progesterone, and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hGC), triggering hormonal depression. The decline of the former two also stimulates a reduction in Serotonin and Dopamine, further contributing to emotional volatility and feelings of sadness. The tip in the balance of hormones cause women to experience mood swings and heightened sensitivity, making an individual more prone to such negative emotions. 

2) External Pressures 

Sometimes, a woman's desired choice isn’t an abortion, rather they are pressured into undergoing it as a result of external influences. This can be in the form of direct coercion from their partners and family members, fear of being a disappointment and shame to others, and the fear of social stigma which judges and critiques those who have an unplanned pregnancy. 

When women feel unsupported and unacknowledged in their decisions regarding childbearing, it can worsen the extent of negative emotions they are likely to feel after an abortion. 

3) Conflicts Between One’s Personal Values and Beliefs 

Especially in cases where women are pressured to undergo abortion against their personal values, it can ingrain deeper feelings of guilt and shame in them as they may feel upset for failing to live up to their beliefs, as well as helpless and/or embarrassed for having failed to do more to save their unborn child. 

While such negative feelings regarding post abortion may not be discussed as openly, it is important to acknowledge that they are valid nonetheless, and that abortion is an irreversible procedure that should not be taken lightly. It is important that you consider all the information available before making a choice, and remember that you should never have to journey through this alone.