Abortion, specifically, induced abortion, causes several drawbacks and effects on the physical, mental and emotional aspects of a woman who underwent abortion. The deep feeling of guilt usually results to unstable physical and emotional behaviors which is called post abortion syndrome.

Post Abortion SyndromeThis type of condition is classified under the post-traumatic stress disorder wherein the woman experiences a heightened feeling of anxiety whenever she is exposed to places, events and circumstances that would remind her of the abortion that took place.

At the time of the abortion, a woman might be having several doubts and worries on how to take care of the unborn baby, the acceptance of her family in the case of teenage pregnancy and how to explain a conception if the woman does not know who the father is (in the case of having multiple sexual partners).

Without proper guidance, some women resort to abortion. Several women, specifically those who have strong religious backgrounds, suffer from a continuous spiritual and emotional torment after having the procedure.

Compared to those who experienced involuntary or spontaneous abortion, those who induced abortion for personal reasons are more affected by post abortion syndrome.

The guilt that comes with actively consenting to such procedure comes intermittently or continuously even after it had been done. Without proper help and support, a woman may suffer from deep depression and become completely unreasonable.

Physically, post abortion syndrome sufferers experience insomnia, restlessness and agitation. Some may have difficulty going back to sleep after waking up from flashbacks through nightmares.

Furthermore, women who experience the syndrome might also endure eating disorders, irritability, headaches and palpitations. In some cases, women who may have problems with eating due to poor appetite might develop secondary complications such as electrolyte imbalance and malnutrition.

This could advertently lead to hospitalization in order to administer parenteral nutrition. In addition, severe agitation and violence might also occur.

For this particular case, the woman’s safety must be ensured. In addition, the people surrounding her must also be equipped with the knowledge on how to deal with her. The violence that a woman displays might be due to the projection towards friends and loved ones that encouraged and supported the procedure.

Other signs and symptoms of post abortion syndrome might not occur immediately after the procedure. In some cases, the effects might be late. When a woman who underwent abortion earlier already has her own family, she might make up with the loss by being overprotective with her children or abusive. In addition, false fears of infertility issues might be present during the later part.

Some others experience problems with forming loving relationships with their husbands and family members who influenced their decision to abort.

Other women fear social gatherings and places which would remind them of the occurrence. This is definitely disabling on the part of the woman, being unable to communicate and interact with other people. In severe cases, post abortion syndrome sufferers develop addictions to alcohol and drugs just to numb themselves of the pain that the memories bring.

Coping with the effects of abortion might not be desirable at all. In cases wherein one is contemplating on doing the procedure, it would be best to consult the advice of a counselor before going through the process. For women who are suffering from post abortion syndrome, the help of a spiritual adviser and a medical expert would prove to afford great relief to forgive one’s self and do things properly and rightly in the future.