First Choice: We want to know…

Self-Assessment

Read through this self-assessment to see if you have symptoms of post-abortion trauma. If the list reflects problems you’ve experienced since your abortion, and you feel stuck, you may need help recovering. They tell us abortion is a quick, painless answer to the problem of an unplanned pregnancy. We know, from experience and from research, that this is simply not true for everyone. Take a moment and read about some of the issues other women dealt with after their abortions. See if you identify with any of them:

1. Have you changed as a person since your abortion? What were you like before your abortion? How are you different now?

2. If your sister or best friend were thinking about having an abortion, what would you tell her?

3. At the time of your abortion did you believe abortion was right or wrong?

4. Check the following problems that have bothered you since your abortion:

I struggle with eating disorders.
I find myself in abusive relationships.
I’m having increased unprotected sexual activity.
I’m using drugs and/or alcohol to distract myself from my pain.
I often feel so sad that I can’t handle my responsibilities.
I often think about hurting myself.
I keep having the same nightmare over and over.

5. Do you shut down or feel numb when you’re in a highly emotional situation?

6. Do you experience explosive emotions?

7. Has your relationship with God changed since your abortion? If yes, in what way?

8. Have your relationships with men changed? If yes, in what way?

9. Do you feel you must hide your abortion or your feelings about it?

10. Do you avoid people or situations that remind you of your abortion?

11. Did someone pressure you into having the abortion? If yes, what is your relationship like with that person now?

12. Do you feel like you’re all alone with the emotional pain you are feeling?

13. Are you interested in a support group for women who’ve had abortions to work through some of these problems?