The “what” is PAS (Post Abortion Stress a/k/a Post Abortion Syndrome a/k/a Post Abortion Stress Syndrome). Yes, it’s another acronym for a string of words that you’ve probably never heard of. So allow me to put on my professor hat.
PAS was first used in 1981 after a team of clinical researchers realized post-abortive women were experiencing similar symptoms stemming from the legalization of abortion in 1973. Dr. Vincent Rue provided Congressional Testimony to provide his conclusions that abortion does indeed negatively impact women’s health. For the last 30 years, scientists have been publishing articles that PAS is indeed a public health concern for women (and men). Recent clinical studies link PAS as a PTSD (“Post Traumatic Stress Disorder”, another acronym for you).
Initially some experience relief, however the relief is from social consequences. Unfortunately, the mental and emotional anguish eventually surface: grief, shame, depression, crying, guilt, anger, regret. It is not uncommon to experience nightmares, flashbacks to the abortion, lowered self-esteem, problems with relationships or substance abuse. With abortion, women and men are told they have nothing to grieve. It takes time for the denial to wear off and the emotional disturbance to be recognized.
The intensity of post abortion stress varies from sadness to suicidal feelings. The aftermath is often delayed for many years after the abortion. It is not uncommon for symptoms to appear 20 to 30 years after abortion. Symptoms vary, to all or some of the following:
Guilt, Anxiety, Depression/Thoughts of suicide, Eating disorders, Alcohol and Drug abuse, Psychological numbing, Flashbacks, Anniversary syndrome, Preoccupation with becoming pregnant again, Fearful of parenting current and future children, Thoughts of karmic payback, Anxiety, Promiscuity, Avoidance of Doctors and Hospitals, Dislike of dentists, Avoidance of babyies, pregnant women or any reminders, Avoidance of the clinic, Fear of intimacy, Crying more, Sleeping problems, Panic attacks, Intrusive thoughts about the abortion, Think in terms of before the abortion and after the abortion, Don’t speak up about pro life or pro choice, Lowered self esteem, Problem making decisions, Obsession with death.
According to a survey released by the Elliot Institute:
- 90% of women regretted having had the abortion.
- 70% rated their emotional aftereffects as severe.
- 87% now believe that the abortion was the wrong choice.
- 61% believe that their abortion made their life worse.
Wait a minute, you say. Why should I believe these statements when I can find others on the internet that differ? True, there’s lots of information out there, lots of studies performed. Articles cite The American Psychological Association as denying the existence of PAS. True, they don’t, but I would urge any researcher to do your homework and find out who is providing the study and the stance of the provider.
But wait, it’s not over … in 2008, a 30-year longitudinal study of 500 women found that post-abortive women had a 30% higher likelihood of subsequent mental problems than non-abortive women. Then in 2011, the Guttmacher Institute (the research arm for Planned Parenthood), published its findings which acknowledged the negative impact of abortion on women. To top it off, the July 2013 issue of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences describes a review of all abortion and mental health literature between 1995 and 2011, finding out of 36 studies reviewed, 13 found post-abortive women at higher risk of depression, anxiety, or substance abuse.
The “why” (as in “why it’s important”) is abortion does affect a whopping lot of people, women, men, families, relationships. There’s been 57 million abortions in this country since 1973; to be generous, let’s say that accounts for 30 million women, plus their partners, plus their immediate family (let’s say 4 to be safe); for leniency sake, let’s say only 75% of those experienced any PAS symptoms. That equals 180 million walking wounded. So if abortion has contributed to the demise of only a portion of those families, what’s next? … you get it, higher crime, increased dependence on substances, abuse, from one generation to another.
Until the cycle is broken!
Thanks for your attention, class — Professor Efurd
Tagged: abortion recovery, grief and loss, mental health, pro-life, suicide prevention
