Post Abortion Syndrome

An article at LifeScript looks at Post Abortion Syndrome from a personal perspective:

Post abortion syndrome (PAS) is a relatively new term that describes certain characteristics women have after an elective abortion. The symptoms are very similar to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as seen in war veterans or anyone who has gone through a traumatic experience. These reactions can include symptoms linked to intrusion, hyper-arousal, avoidance and disassociation. All of these stem from either the abortion itself, the decision to have an abortion or the numerous circumstances surrounding the final decision to have the procedure done.

Now, PAS is not an official disorder, but experts have recognized it as a "psychological stressor" very closely linked to PTSD. In 1981, Vincent Rue, a psychotherapist, was the first to recognize the similarities between the post abortion women he treated and some Viet Nam Veterans he also had in his care. Of course, this raised a huge controversy and Rue was warned he'd be subject to legal action if he didn't include a disclaimer that there wasn't clinical evidence that PAS actually existed.

The real kicker is that some mental health experts will say abortion is a harmless experience and that PAS is a myth started by the groups opposing abortion. From what I've seen in my friend and other women who have chosen to terminate a pregnancy, coping with abortion can have long-term mental consequences that might not show up immediately. Regardless of whether you see abortion as a personal choice or a mortal sin, the fact is that it does have an emotional impact on the women who experience them and can be as debilitating as depression or any other mental disorder.

The full article describes her personal experience with a friend who had an abortion.