Psychological effects of abortion?

Question

Not really a question - more of a statement. My daughter at the age of 17 underwent an abortion from which she has never recovered psychologically and regrets it to this day. She still has nightmares even now that she is in her fifties.

It was a mistake in this particular case.

Answer 1

Yeah, and I'm sure you helped the process along, and made her feel WONDERFUL about it.  Can you spell "guilt trip"??

With such a loving mother, I wonder why she felt she had to have an abortion in the first place.  

Glad you're not MY mother.

Answer 2

I think it depends on how you view abortion. If your daughter was/is totally against abortion (pro life) then she is likely to feel this way until she gets psychological help. Her GP can arrange for your daughter to see a counsellor.

If your daughter would like to chat anonymously then try these forums.

http://www.careconfidential.com/

http://www.mariestopes.org.uk/AbortionCo...

I'm probably wrong but, reading between the lines I get the feeling that you feel anguish because you encouraged your daughter to have an abortion thinking it was for the best? If so, you did what you thought was right for your daughter at the time and that is all a mother can do ... no one is perfect, we all make mistakes.

Answer 3

People need to make their own decisions about things and do what is right for them.

Answer 4

May have been a mistake, if you say so.

What & who are her nightmares about?

Was it her own free and considered choice to have it done? Did she have appropriate (non-hysterical) support at the time?

This abortion happened more than 33 years ago. Has it been done in a clinic complying with high standards of care? With adequate support and counseling before and the possibility of counseling after the event?

Has she been harassed by Evangelicals a lot?