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Immediately after an abortion, many women report a sense of relief. They are often surprised to find that abortion can be a traumatic experience, and that in some cases "post abortion stress" symptoms don't appear until many years later.
According to Dr. Julius Fogel, Ob/Gyn, psychiatrist and abortion provider, "There is no question about the emotional grief and mourning following an abortion. It shows up in various forms... many come in -- some are just mute, some hostile. Some burst out crying..."
We recognize that not every woman who has an abortion will experience symptoms of post abortion stress. However, for those that do, CareNet is here to help.
Post Abortion Stress Checklist
The following checklist has been designed to help you identify symptoms in your life that may be related to a past abortion experience. Select the symptoms that may pertain to you:
sadness
feelings of loss
regret
guilt
recurring thoughts about the abortion(s)
crying episodes
anxiety
inability to sustain an intimate relationship
preoccupation about anniversaries, i.e. date of the abortion(s) or due date(s)
obsession with children or childbearing issues
avoidance of small children and/or babies
increased alcohol use
drug abuse
repeat abortions
multiple sexual relationships
engaging in any of the following to excess: school, work, exercise, eating, dieting
difficulty sleeping
feelings of numbness
lack of self-esteem
suicidal impulses
desire for secrecy about the abortion
disinterest in sex
If you have selected symptoms from this list and would like to talk with a training, non-judgmental counselor in a confidential environment, please call (615) 446-0701.