Society assures you that it’s your right and in your best interest. Abortion is championed as a quick fix that will solve the perceived problem of being pregnant and ultimately having a child, but in reality, your abortion decision is much more. Many women who come to us tell us of the trauma that followed their visit to the abortion clinic or their self-managed abortion at home, and how it was far more painful than they were led to believe. With the increased access to the abortion pill by mail, women are carrying a weighty load privately in their own bathrooms, sometimes unprepared for the intense process without medical supervision.

Giving yourself an abortion at home may sound private and convenient but it also comes with risks to both your mental and physical health. Some women are unprepared to see an embryo or fetus, recognize the gender and body parts, and dispose of the remains. This can happen, depending on how far along you are. Some women may be shocked by the amount of pain and bleeding they experience, and struggle through the decision of when to call for help or seek emergency care. This experience can be traumatic and result in symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

Take your time

If you or someone you know is considering a medical abortion (a series of pills taken to terminate pregnancy) or a surgical abortion procedure, please consider all the abortion facts. Consider your physical and mental health. Do your research. Talk to someone who has “been there and done that.” Visit Gateway Women’s Care for pregnancy options and free testing and ultrasound services.

After an abortion, some women experience initial relief. The perceived crisis is over and life returns to normal. For many women, however, the crisis isn’t over. Months and even years later, significant problems develop. There is evidence that abortion is associated with decrease in long-term emotional and physical health. 35, 55

Women who have experienced abortion may develop the following:

• Guilt
• Grief
• Anger
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicidal thoughts
• Difficulty bonding with partner or children
• Eating disorders

Is this you or someone you know?

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, Gateway Women’s Care offers free, confidential, compassionate support groups designed to help you work through these feelings. We have post-abortion groups that are led by an experienced, trained team of women who themselves have had abortions and can relate to feelings you may be experiencing. Take care of yourself and your mental health.

Find healing

Call us today and we will connect you to someone who can start you on the path to healing.

Call Gateway Women’s Care today at (919) 833-0096 in Raleigh; (919) 251-9444 in Durham/Chapel Hill.

35.Thorp JM, Hartmann KE, Shadigian E. Long term physical and psychological health consequences of induced abortion: review of the evidence. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2003;58(1):67-79.

55.Royal College of Psychiatrists. Position statement on women’s mental health in relation to induced abortion. March, 14 2008.