The emotional impact of abortion

Concerned about the emotional impact of abortion? There is no right or wrong way to feel about an unexpected pregnancy. Some women are certain that they don’t want children. And other women are less sure about their future and what they want it to look like. If you’re considering getting an abortion, you may not be sure how you feel yet. And you may find yourself moving between certainty and doubt, or between acceptance and grief.  

In this article, we’re going to talk about some of the emotions that women may experience before, during, and after an abortion. We’re also going to look at what women can do to process their feelings and get the proper support. 

What to consider before getting an abortion

Are you considering getting an abortion? One of the hardest things about unexpected pregnancies is trying to figure out how you feel and deciding what to do next. 

There are many reasons why women may decide to get an abortion. Some may not want children – whether that’s because of their personal beliefs, lifestyle preferences, or long-term goals. Other women may feel that the circumstances aren’t right – whether that’s because of their age, relationship, or personal situation. Whatever your reasons for considering an abortion, know that it’s okay to explore this option, and to reach whatever decision feels right for you. 

The decision to terminate a pregnancy is deeply personal. You may find that understanding why you want an abortion brings you some comfort, or you may find that it brings up other more challenging emotions, such as grief. If you decide to move forward with the termination, then you will need to look at practical considerations, such as how, when, and where to get the procedure. You may find that planning the abortion helps you process your thoughts, or you may find that it triggers more feelings, like stress and anxiety. 

If you’re not sure what to do, you might want to talk to someone about what you’re going through. Sharing your thoughts, voicing your concerns, and exploring your options can help. This is because it helps you navigate your feelings, understand what you really want, and reach a final decision. 

What abortion services are available to you

Wondering what your options are? One of the most complex parts of planning an abortion is understanding what services are available locally. Abortion can be carried out through NHS funded clinics, or privately. In the UK, some of the options for early abortions include:

1 – Medical abortion: This procedure uses hormone medicines to end a pregnancy. There are two pills taken at different times, which induce miscarriage. The first medicine (named mifepristone) obstructs the vital pregnancy hormone progesterone. This prevents the pregnancy from developing and causes it to come away from the uterus’ wall. The second pill (misoprostol) prompts contractions of the uterus, which expel the pregnancy naturally without surgery.  Medical abortions can be carried out between 4-10 weeks of pregnancy.

2 – Surgical abortion: This procedure can be performed with local anaesthesia or under sedation. The pregnancy is terminated with the aid of a suction device placed through the cervix into the womb entrance. The gentlest way to do this is via Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA).  MVA can be performed between 6-15 weeks of pregnancy.  Other types of surgical abortions can be performed between 15-23 weeks.  

If you’re worried about the emotional impact of an abortion, you might want to talk to someone about your options. Knowing more about each service, and what the procedure involves, can help you better understand the process. It can also help you prepare emotionally, and know what to expect during an abortion.

Why do many women choose abortion pills by post?

Are you worried about going to an abortion clinic? You’re not alone. One of the hardest parts of getting an abortion is deciding when and where to have the procedure. Some women are unable to access free NHS services in their area as quickly as they’d like, due to long waiting times or lack of local facilities. Other women may struggle to attend appointments in person, due to financial or logistical barriers. This means that they have to look into alternative options, which can add additional stress to an already challenging process.

Many women in England and Wales now opt for private ‘Pills by Post’ services. This is a medical abortion service that enables women to end early-stage pregnancies at home.  An abortion pill by post service, which was first introduced during the pandemic, is only available within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. But they give women more freedom to end pregnancies on their terms, with easy access to home comforts and their support network. This can help ease their stress and allow them to focus on healing.

Coping with medical abortion procedures

Are you preparing for a medical abortion? It’s important to keep in mind that abortions are considered safe procedures, with high success rates and few side effects. That said, having an abortion can still be an emotionally difficult experience. There are steps you can take to make the process easier and ensure you get the help you need. 

1 – Book time off work: You will experience some pain and bleeding as the pregnancy passes. It’s a good idea to plan for a few days off work. This will enable you to manage any physical symptoms and side effects. It will also give you more time to process your feelings and reach out to others for support. 

2 – Get your home ready: You will feel tired and may also be emotional after your abortion. It’s a good idea to get any cooking, cleaning, and errands done before the procedure. This will ensure that you have a clean, comfortable place to rest. It will also enable you to take a break from your day-to-day chores and focus on your recovery.

3 – Ask for support: You may need help during or after the procedure. Women have abortions in all sorts of circumstances. If you have a supportive partner that you can ask for help, then reach out to them. If not, see if a close friend or family member can spend some time with you. Even if they can’t be there the whole time – seeing a friendly face will likely lift your spirits.

What are the emotional effects of abortion?

As you can see, the abortion process can be very emotionally challenging. But what about after the procedure? It’s not always possible to know how you will feel after having an abortion. It can sometimes depend on why you’re getting an abortion. It can also sometimes depend on how your procedure goes and the level of care provided. In the days, weeks, and months following the procedure, you may experience a number of feelings including:

1 – Numbness:  For some women, the stress of dealing with an unexpected pregnancy can create feelings of numbness. This can sometimes be an initial reaction to the abortion procedure itself, and any pain experienced. It can also sometimes be an initial reaction to the abortion process itself, and the decision made.

2 – Grief: Even when women do not feel ready to continue their pregnancies, they can still experience grief after their abortion. It is a normal and common reaction to what they’ve been through. If you find yourself struggling with a deep sense of loss, it’s essential to try to find ways to process your grief, and to reach out to others for support.

3 – Depression: For some women, the initial grief develops into depression. They may struggle with persistent feelings of sadness, as well as other common symptoms such as feelings of helplessness, frustration, and guilt. If you find yourself dealing with depression, it’s important to talk to a doctor about getting treatment. 

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to feel about an abortion. Everyone’s experience is different. Some women might feel some initial relief at having made the right choice for them, while others might need more time to come to terms with their decision. 

What adds to the emotional impact of abortion

There are a number of factors that can influence a woman’s experience of abortion and contribute to feelings of emotional distress. 

For example, some women struggle with a lack of support. They may feel unable to talk to other people about their decision and choose to keep their abortion a secret. This might be because they fear adverse reactions, such as anger or judgement, or they fear negative consequences, such as rejection or social exclusion. This can lead to feelings of isolation and depression following an abortion. In these kinds of situations, women may need to explore self-help strategies and coping techniques. 

Some women may also struggle with a high level of social pressure. In some cases, they may feel that other people are pressuring them to continue with an unplanned pregnancy. Or, in other cases, they may think that other people are pressuring them to get an abortion.  They may feel less able to express their feelings. They may also feel less able to make their own decision, and do what is truly best for them. This can contribute to feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, and emotional distress. In these kinds of situations, women may need to look outside of their usual support network for help. 

Making the right choice for you

There is no right or wrong way to feel about an abortion. If you’re dealing with an unexpected pregnancy, then it’s okay to explore your options. And if you do decide to get an abortion, then it’s normal to feel different things. It’s important to keep in mind that there are things you can do to help manage the emotional impact of your decision – from speaking with trusted people, to seeking professional help.