Abortion

Abortion is a difficult decision often made when a woman feels she has no other viable options.

It is a legal option in Canada and compared to other medical procedures, is considered relatively safe by doctors. Like all medical procedures, abortion involves certain risks that you need to be aware of as you consider this option.

There are different abortion procedures available, depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy and each procedure has different considerations.

Support workers at Pregnancy Concerns can explain the possible procedures for your particular situation, and give you enough information to make an informed decision. Contacting us can be an important first stop in your decision-making process.

I don’t know how I will feel?

If you are considering abortion you’re probably faced with circumstances that make the thought of parenting difficult to accept.

Abortion can also be quite emotionally difficult for women. Regardless of how you currently feel about your pregnancy and the thought of an abortion, it is important to consider the possible emotional or psychological effects of having an abortion.

Several factors determine the emotional reaction to an abortion, including a woman’s age, the stage of her pregnancy, prior feelings about abortion and whether or not she feels pressured into having an abortion by a significant person in her life.

Pregnancy Concerns offers a safe place for you to discuss some of the potential risks that are involved with an abortion to help you make an informed decision.

Post Abortion

An abortion can affect a woman in a variety of ways and at various times in her life.

Some women feel relieved initially while others suffer emotionally.  It is difficult to predict someone’s response to their abortion in the short or long term.

Post Abortion stress can be affected by a woman’s age, stage in pregnancy, emotional and mental health, religious or cultural beliefs, or whether she felt she was pressured into having an abortion.

Post Abortion stress may be described as:

  • The inability to process your thoughts and emotions about the pregnancy/abortion
  • An absence of peace with yourself and others involved in the pregnancy/abortion

If you, or someone you know, are experiencing any of the symptoms of Post Abortion stress listed below, we invite you to call us at 604-939-2633.

Symptoms of Post Abortion Stress:

  • Avoidance Behaviours
  • Psychological “numbing”
  • Guilt
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Re-experiencing events related to the abortion
  • Pre-occupation with becoming pregnant again
  • Anxiety over fertility and childbearing issues
  • Interruption or disruption of the bonding with present and/or future children
  • Self-destructive behaviours
  • Anniversary reactions
  • Brief Psychotic disorder

Depending on the severity of your symptoms we can help you begin a journey of healing or refer you to professional counsellors for help.

Some women can also suffer from flashbacks of the abortion procedure or anniversary grief on the calendar day of their abortion.

If ou or someone you know is experiencing grief over a past abortion, we’re here to listen. All our services are free, confidential and non-judgmental.