Abortion – Grief and Moving on

The decision has been made, either together with the father or alone. Too many people will judge, society can be harsh. The emotional experience is one that needs to be addressed before recovery can take place.

Every abortion circumstances are unique, so is every recovery process. If you have ever had an abortion and felt like you have never recovered from, then you’re not alone. Relief is the most common emotion after an abortion. However, this can quickly turn to sadness, which can turn into confusion. Added to the emotional mix, is attempting to move on from a decision you can’t take back.

Without talking these emotions through or with the help of a professional therapist, women attempt to box their emotions, making it difficult to move forward. Abortion isn’t the end of the process. Parents need a way to grieve the loss openly and without judgement.

Emily Steel grieved in her own unique way. Partner Chris and herself decided to have an abortion after discovering their foetus was confirmed a positive diagnosis of Down Syndrome. Like many women, Emily felt relief and a “sense of loss”.

Emily decided to write a play about her experience. The process of the play helped her with closure. The story has already been performed by solo actor Tiffany Lyndall Knight, in Adelaide, Perth and Melbourne.

19 Weeks opens up the conversation and lets people know it’s okay, that your feelings are real and that it is okay to talk about it. Keep up to date with 19 weeks follow their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/19weeksproject/

Abortion trauma is an important mental health issue, one that needs to be discussed freely and without judgement. If you don’t feel ready to start the conversation, start a journal. This is one way you can process your emotions until you are ready to openly talk. The way you feel is the way you feel, regardless if it’s different to someone else in your position. It is a valid feeling.

If you are finding it difficult to move forward after your abortion, no matter how long ago it may have been, please call our friendly staff who can assist or point you in the right direction.