How Can I Recover Emotionally After An Abortion?

Oct 9, 2025 | Abortion

Someone feeling sad after her abortion

If you are struggling with a past abortion decision, you are not alone. Studies prove that some women are profoundly affected by their abortion experience.

The good news is you don’t have to struggle alone. Choices Pregnancy Center provides peer advocates who will come alongside you, listen to your story, and provide genuine care.

Schedule a free and confidential appointment at Choices today.

What Do The Studies Say?

Every woman’s abortion experience is unique. It can vary drastically depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, the type of procedure, and the facility.

Although there is controversy about how many people are affected by abortion, one study revealed the following:

  • Abortion is consistently associated with elevated rates of mental illness compared to women without a history of abortion.
  • The abortion experience directly contributes to mental health problems for at least some women.
  • There are risk factors, such as pre-existing mental illness, that identify women at greatest risk of mental health problems after an abortion.

What Do Some Women Feel?

Women experience a variety of emotions after an abortion. Many say they immediately felt relief, but within weeks, months, or years, they began to struggle emotionally.

Some of their feelings included:

  • Grief
  • A sense of loss
  • Guilt
  • Shame
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

How Can Choices Help Me?

An essential part of healing is connecting with someone else who understands. Choices provides free and confidential one-on-one mentoring. A mentor is a trusted advisor who understands what you are going through.

Many women don’t talk about their abortion. As a result, they feel isolated. A trained mentor listens carefully to your experience. Bringing your feelings to the forefront and sharing them with someone helps to clarify what you’re experiencing.

Here are some other tips that might help your recovery:

  • Journal your thoughts and your healing journey.
  • Get physical exercise.
  • Practice self-care by eating a balanced diet, getting a good night’s sleep, staying hydrated, and connecting with others.
  • Take up a hobby.
  • Avoid recreational substances such as alcohol or drugs.
  • Healing takes energy, so give yourself a break.

Schedule Your Free and Confidential Appointment

We’re here for you. Please schedule a free and confidential appointment or call (417) 468-5555. There is a path to healing, and we’ll show you how to get there.

Choices Pregnancy Center does not perform or refer for abortion.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.