Life Services in Spokane : After Abortion

If you've had an abortion, you may be feeling very alone in your experience. Statistically though, 43% of women of childbearing age have had an abortion. Many men and women who have experienced abortion suffer from what is called Post-Abortion Syndrome, or PAS.

PAS is a type of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and is very real. You may be a man or woman that has been greatly affected by abortion, and we want you to know that we can help. Our Post-Abortion Recovery Program, called Path of Life, offers support groups for both men and women. Volunteer counselors who understand how difficult it is to cope with the aftereffects of abortion lead our support groups. Strict confidentiality is maintained always.

pregnancy Spokane To find out whether you may be struggling with PAS, ask yourself the following questions. It is important to be honest with yourself because no matter how much or little you may be struggling, help is available.

1. Do you find yourself struggling to turn off the feelings connected to your abortion(s), perhaps telling yourself over and over again to forget it?

2. Are you affected by physical reminders of your abortion, i.e., babies, pregnant women, and baby clothes? Are you uncomfortable around children?

3. Are there certain times of the year when you find yourself depressed, sick or accident prone, such as the anniversary date of the abortion or the month of the would-be birth?

4. Are you in a situation where you could find yourself faced with another unwanted pregnancy?

5. Have you experienced a substantial increase in drug or alcohol use or any self-destructive behavior, i.e., eating disorders, abusive relationships, increased sexual activity?

unplanned pregnancy 6. Have you experienced periods of prolonged depression and/or suicidal thoughts since your abortion?

7. Have you experienced any peculiar reactions, i.e., nightmares, flashbacks, or hallucinations (such as hearing a baby cry) relating to the abortion experience?

8. Are you able to talk about abortion? When choosing to share about your abortion(s), are you overcome with strong feelings?

9. If you do not have any children, do you fear that you will never be able to have them?

10. Do you tend to look at your life in terms of "before" and "after" the abortion(s)? Has your self-esteem changed?

Our support groups meet once a week for approximately 10 to 12 weeks. Both workbooks, "Forgiven and Set Free" and "Healing a Father's Heart," are Bible studies tailored to suit the healing needs for post-abortive women and men. For more information, please call our confidential voicemail line at (509) 444-9035, or e-mail us at pace@lifeservices.org.