New Support Initiative Highlights Post-Abortion Struggles
While advocates for abortion rights often assert that the procedure has no adverse effects on women, a recent initiative launched by Women’s Health Tasmania, an Australian island state, suggests otherwise. This new program connects women with abortion providers and acknowledges the emotional challenges some women face following the procedure.
Peer Support for Healing
Women’s Health Tasmania has introduced a peer-to-peer support service designed to help women who have undergone abortions process their feelings and find healing. Abi, a participant in the program, shared, “I kind of went through it in secret, and alone. When difficult things arose, I didn’t have anyone to talk to.” Each session is conducted confidentially over the phone or online, pairing each woman with a fellow post-abortive woman.
“There’s something very validating when somebody just gets it,” Abi added, underscoring the importance of shared experiences in the healing journey.
The Necessity of Healing Resources
If the abortion experience were genuinely non-traumatic, there would be no need for supportive resources, as noted by Jo Flanagan, the Chief Executive of Women’s Health Tasmania. She expressed concern that stigma surrounding abortion might deter women from accessing these vital resources. “After an abortion, you might talk to your GP or one of our counselors, but health professionals often don’t share their own experiences,” Flanagan explained.
However, the stigma sometimes extends beyond abortion itself; it can also include the belief that healing after an abortion is unnecessary. Flanagan shared that feedback from women who have accessed support indicates a significant shift in their feelings post-support. Prior to speaking with a peer worker, many women described their emotions using words such as “alone,” “worthless,” and “cowardly.” After receiving support, they reported feeling “valued,” “brave,” and “worthy.”
Addressing Misleading Research
The abortion industry frequently claims that the procedure has no negative consequences, often referencing the problematic Turnaway Study, which suggested over 90% of women do not regret their abortions. This study, however, suffered from inherent biases, including a small sample size of just 877 women who were selectively chosen by abortion clinics. Moreover, many participants did not complete the study, preventing meaningful conclusions about the broader effects of abortion on women’s lives.
Voices of Experience
A number of prominent women have candidly shared their experiences, providing insight into the emotional aftermath of abortion. Grammy nominee Michele Pillar recalled her own abortion at age 17, stating, “The abortion was such an atrocity to me that I buried it deep within my soul for decades. Abortion is not just a procedure; it’s a violation of the soul, and I want the world to know its tragic reality.”
Lisa Marie Presley also spoke about her regret, saying, “I ended up having an abortion, and it was the stupidest thing I’ve ever done in my life. I was devastated. We both cried and were destroyed, which ultimately led to the end of our relationship.” She expressed her sorrow, asking her child for forgiveness, stating, “‘I’m so sorry. Please forgive me and stay with me until I can get pregnant again.’”
Kaya Jones from the Pussycat Dolls reflected on her own experiences, stating, “You will regret it your whole life. Even if I become a mother tomorrow, I will always regret the three children I didn’t have.”
Acknowledging the Need for Healing
Countless stories of grief and pain can be found on platforms like Can’t Stay Silent, Silent No More, and Abortion Changes You, where post-abortive women share their experiences. The new initiative in Tasmania recognizes the need for support, even while it may still frame abortion as a viable choice. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of women’s healing journeys in the wake of such decisions.
