Abortion Issues
October 10th, 2008
Therapy for Abortion – Update to Common Therapy Issues
This relatively new area of therapy is emerging as an important part of the process for many women who choose to terminate their pregnancy.
The political controversy over abortion may make the process more confusing or upsetting for some. But even leaving politics aside, research indicates that having an abortion is a very difficult decision for the vast majority of women and that the aftermath is likely to lead to at least some emotional and psychological challenges, whether they are minor and short-lived, or more intense and long-lasting. Having second thoughts, guilt, internal conflict, grief, or other challenging emotions and thoughts is somewhat typical, and the nonjudgmental, compassionate ear of a good clinician can be very helpful in working through these thoughts and feelings.
Men whose partners have an abortion may also experience internal conflict or unpleasant feelings, and should not hesitate to talk about this in therapy. Couples work may be particularly helpful – if also especially challenging at times – when an abortion has occurred in the relationship.
Read More here: therapy for abortion
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Comments
Confession time. Back in the 70s when abortions were not so widely available ( although that can still be questionable today) I was in a relationship that culminated with my partner becoming pregnant and then deciding without my knowledge to have an abortion. I was devastated and I think that ultimately she was too but everyone acted as if she was the only one with a broken heart over the decision. I was hurt, angry, and crushed that she had not involved me in the decision, and yes did seek some therapy for that. I had an inner rage that I could not control and I know that much of that stemmed from the grieving and sadness that resulted from my lost child and the terminated pregnancy. This in no way reflects any of my own political views, nor do I feel like those views have been influenced by this instance in my life. I do however express gratitude to this author who does realize that often abortion can be about more than a token women’s health issue and that it can equally affect the men in the lives of those women who choose to pursue this route.
Politically correct or not if the dictates of anyone’s conscience allows you to do anything then there shouldnt be any guilt. If feelings of guilt, remorse or anger surface then it stems from the fact that the deed is very wrong. Killing an innocent life is WRONG!! In my opinion seeking therapy for willful abortion is like a murderer pleading not guilty in court but divulging all to his defense attorney.
I am completely leaving politics out of this and I think that anyone who practices therapy with any man or woman who has experienced this event in their lives has to. No matter what you feel personally about the abortion isssue it only makes sense that there will be those who feel traumatized by their decision, no matter whether they know it was the right or wrong thing for them to do. For some people, although there may be other options, they may not feel this way. It is still nice to know that there will be therapists out there who can empathize with them and give them the help they need to make it through that. We should all remember that it is much better to support and be a friend rather than punish and judge others when we know nothing about the terrible things they may have faced at some point in their lives.
So does this mean that those who practice giving abortions must also now have their offices set up for counseling as well?
My wife wants an abortion. it would be our fourth and we both are beyond 40. I feel miserable I can’t work or do anything…this is killing me. I cant afford another child and her health wont allow her to carry it so we cant even give it up for adoption
If the physician is telling you that her health cannot withstand the risk of carrying another child then I guess there is really no other choice for you all. You are both in my thoughts and prayers. This is a terrible decision to have to make but one which I am sure will bring your family closer together and stronger in the end once you work through it all together.
When did it become OK for others to judge the reasons why someone is in therapy in the first place? I think that for anyone who has gone through any type of traumatic experience they deserve the love and kindness of everyone and that includes the psychanalytical field. Abortion can be a deeply emotional as well as a personal issue. There are dozens of different ways that families have to deal with this issue, and I dare say that many of them would be able to deal with it in a largely more healthy way if they had counseling and therapists who supported them and helped them get some closure in their lives over this experience. I am sure that deciding to have an abortion is never an easy choice- I have never been in that position but I feel bad for those who have had to take that upon themselves and live with the decision. It can never be an easy one to make and I am glad that there are those who realize the need for care for those who are having to make those choices.
Of course one would need therapy after a painful experience such as this. Why would anyone even be the least bit surprised?
I would have thought that more clinics who perform abortions would have realized the need for after treatment years ago. Abortion is not an issue that should be taken lightly by anyone. Anyone who thinks this is just a convenient form of birth control is sadly mistaken. I am speaking as a woman who had to undergo this procedure for my own health, not because it was my own choice but truly a matter of my life or the child’s. I chose mine but it was not an easy decision. I went through months of therapy afterwards and it has only been recently that I have felt a little bit of sanity return to my life. Abortion is a tough choice that many families have to make every day and I am completely for having treatment and care afterwards for all who require it after undergoing this traumatic experience.
Have any studies ever been done that would track people who have had abortions and their propensity to develop clinical depression in the years afterward? This would be very interesting as I would be prone to think that an event such as this would be a mighty strong trigger to kickstart a depressive episode.
Everything else aside we have to treat those who have an abortion the same as any other patient in this country. Those who cannot do that should not be in the social services or mental health fields to begin with. My opinion is that although something like abortion may not be right for me, I have to be objective and remember that I have never walked in these people’s shoes and have no idea the crisis or the reasons that would lead them to make this type of decision. My job as a citizen would be to lead them to the type of help that he or she will need to make it through this experience, and not judge them for those actions. That is not my job!
It is sad to both partners when an abortion has been done. We should not judge those who decided to have an abortion due to they have their reasons and as above, if health is at risk or even rape is involved, I believe that then, abortion is an option that shouldn’t be judged by anyone.
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