We have on-going virtual and on-site groups. All services are no cost.
For more information or to register for an upcoming after abortion support group email; healing@heartbeats.org or call 740.327.0601. We will get back to you within business hours.
Many women and men report regret and pain after an abortion and need help. There can be many different negative emotions and even physical symptoms that are often experienced after abortion (whether it’s immediately, weeks, months or years later). It’s important that to take the time to work through these as they can impact feelings, thoughts, relationships, behaviors, attitudes, dreams and hopes. This is a safe, confidential, non-judgmental, and caring environment led by women and men who have been where you are.
We will share practical tools to help continue to process through the weeks and months. There is no cost for the curriculum that goes along with the group. In this group you will be encouraged, empowered, and equipped to learn how to keep moving forward toward health and restoration.
“Abortion touches a person’s life on many levels. It impacts one’s views of oneself in medical, political, religious, philosophical, social, and familial ways. This is why it is exceptionally difficult for people to understand, process, and reconcile this experience with who they are and who they want to be.”
Dr. Theresa Burke
Is Life the Same?
Millions of women believe that abortion is the answer to their unplanned pregnancy. They are often advised that if they have the termination procedure, they will never have to think about the pregnancy again and will be able to continue their lives as normal. However, if you have personally been involved in an abortion experience, you likely know this to be false. Ironically, as you attempted to dispose of your “crisis” or “problem” you likely gained an entirely new host of problems after your abortion.
There are many negative emotions and often physical symptoms that are experienced after the abortion and often women do not know how to process through them.
64% of women having abortions said they felt pressured to abort
- 84% said they were not fully informed
- 52% felt rushed and 54% were uncertain beforehand
- 67% received no counseling beforehand
- 79% were not informed about alternatives
You are not alone. Studies show that 25% of American women will have had an abortion by the age of 45. It’s a silent secret that is affecting not only the hearts of the women who have had an abortion, but also the hearts of the boyfriends, spouses, friends and families involved, directly or indirectly.
Citations 1.VM Rue et. al.,“Induced abortion and traumatic stress: A preliminary comparison of American and Russian women,” Medical Science Monitor 10(10): SR5-16 (2004).
Many women have reported the following symptoms after an abortion:
Common Emotions
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Despair
- Depression
- Fear
- Loneliness
- Guilt
- Shame
Common Symptoms
- Suicidal thoughts
- Self-destructive activities (alcohol/drug abuse, eating disorders)
- Difficulty in maintaining or developing relationships
- Difficulty sleeping, insomnia, and/or nightmares
- Emotional deadening, feeling less in touch with or a need to stuff emotions
- Triggered by pregnant women, babies, children, and baby showers
- Increase in anger or rage
- Fear of future relationships and pregnancy
- Difficulties with intimacy and trust
(Taken from The Post Abortion Review [Fall 1994], published by the Elliott Institute, Springfield, Il)
More information on the effects of abortion
Support Groups for Men & Women
What will we talk about in the support group?
- Acknowledge where you are now
- Suppression and denial
- Feelings of anxiety, fear and depression
- Anger and unforgiveness
- Destructive behaviors
- Loss and grief
For more information or to register for our upcoming groups email healing@heartbeats.org or call 740.327.0601. We will get back with you during regular business hours. If you need immediate help call 1.800.712.4357.
