Many women choose abortion intending to resolve the problem of an unplanned pregnancy. It’s often expected that once the abortion process is over, life will go on as it was before. For some people, it may feel that it has. For others, it’s a little more complicated. 

Your body and heart need time and care to recover. An abortion is a medical procedure, which requires physical recovery. Recovery may look different depending on if you took the abortion pills or had a surgical abortion, how far along you were, or based on other factors regarding your reproductive health. Abortion is a form of pregnancy loss, which can often have an emotional impact. Relief, grief, anger, sadness, regret; these emotions are commonly experienced by many after abortion. Understanding what your body and mind need during this time is crucial for a holistic recovery.

At Clearway, we offer services to support you during and after an unplanned pregnancy. We hope to empower you in your pregnancy journey. If you want to carry to term, we want you to have all the support you need to do so. If you choose abortion and are experiencing difficult emotions afterwards, we have resources for you as well. 

Abortion grief is very common for both women and men. We have various support groups and healing programs available. If you don’t feel quite ready for that yet, below we will provide a guide to help you through this recovery process with compassion and care.

Before an Abortion: Important Steps

Having an abortion is a medical decision that necessitates consideration and evaluation ahead of time. Before an abortion, you should first schedule an in-person medical consultation. This is an important step that will help to protect your reproductive health.  The consultation should include an evaluation of your medical history, a pregnancy confirmation/dating ultrasound, and STI testing.

Getting an ultrasound before an abortion is important for several important reasons:

1. Confirming Pregnancy: An ultrasound confirms that you are pregnant as the pregnancy test only determines if the hGC hormone is present. This ultrasound also determines the location of the pregnancy, ensuring an intrauterine pregnancy is present. Any pregnancy developing outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy) is a serious, life-threatening medical condition that requires immediate care.
2. Determining Gestational Age: Knowing the gestational age of the pregnancy is crucial, as it influences the type of abortion procedure you are eligible for.
3. Assessing Health Conditions: An ultrasound can help identify any potential health issues or abnormalities with the pregnancy that might affect the procedure or require special medical attention.
4. Informed Decision-Making: An ultrasound provides detailed information that can help women make informed decisions about their healthcare options, ensuring they understand the procedure and its implications fully.

Overall, a health evaluation and ultrasound are critical steps for your safety, providing both the patient and healthcare provider with essential information. STI testing allows you to receive treatment for any existing STIs before an abortion, as untreated STIs could increase your risk of infection and complications.

Having an abortion is a serious medical decision, one not to be taken lightly. It is important to be fully informed and aware of all your pregnancy options. Seeking this initial care with a provider gives you the space to explore all of your options. One of the most common methods of abortion is via the abortion pill, also known as medical abortion or chemical abortion. If you’re considering this method, you should be informed about the process called Abortion Pill Reversal, available for those who experience a change of mind after starting a medical abortion.

If you have not researched this already, what’s commonly called “the abortion pill” actually consists of two sets of medication. The first medication, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, which is necessary for the pregnancy to continue. The second medication, taken 24-48 hours later, is misoprostol. Misoprostol induces uterine contractions and empties the contents of the uterus. If a woman has already taken the first set of pills, mifepristone, but changes her mind and no longer wants to complete the abortion, she has a small window where she can actually counteract the effects of the first medication and continue her pregnancy.

Abortion Pill Reversal is a safe and effective protocol that uses natural progesterone to overpower the effects of mifepristone. Progesterone has been safely used for over 50 years to prevent miscarriage, and its use after mifepristone is known to offer a ⅔ chance at saving a pregnancy. If you’re considering a medical abortion, this is one option you should be informed of.

Another important aspect to consider is the emotional aftermath of abortion. While everyone’s experience is unique, many women and men report feelings of grief and loss afterward. Several factors influence whether or how emotional pain is experienced following an abortion. Emotions can also be complex and difficult to express. For instance, you might feel relief while also experiencing a sense of loss, which can be challenging to navigate. Know that you are not alone. In fact, one in four women will have an abortion by the age of 45, likely experiencing a similar range of emotions.  Reach out to us at clearpast@clearwayclinic.com for support, or fill out this interest form to join one of our free monthly grief support groups.

After Abortion: Physical Healing

Abortion is a medical procedure. Physically, it impacts your body, and you need time to heal and recover. Whether you went through a surgical abortion or took the abortion pills, give yourself time to rest and pay attention for signs of complications. 

1. Rest and Recovery: Your body needs time to heal. Ensure you get plenty of rest in the days following the procedure. Listen to your body, follow your doctor’s instructions, and avoid strenuous activities for at least one week.
2. Follow Medical Advice: Adhere to any post-procedure instructions provided by your healthcare provider. This may include taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and monitoring any symptoms.
3. Nutrition and Hydration: Fuel your body with nutritious foods that support healing. Drink clear fluids. Staying hydrated is important, as it aids in recovery and helps maintain energy levels.
4. Pain Management: It’s normal to experience some discomfort, and you may be able to utilize over-the-counter pain relievers to manage it. However, if you’re experiencing abdominal pain worse than a normal period, it may be a sign that something is wrong. Pay attention to your body and seek medical care if needed. 
5. Monitor Your Health: Be aware of any signs of abortion-related complications, such as excessive bleeding, fever, sudden abdominal swelling, foul-smelling discharge, or signs of infection. Contact your healthcare provider if you have concerns and seek emergency care if needed.

After Abortion: Emotional Healing

You might not feel ready for the need to seek out an after-abortion healing program. That’s okay—you have your own journey and are free to process your emotions at your own pace. However, it’s important not to ignore the emotional impact of your abortion.

Disenfranchised grief refers to mourning that isn’t openly acknowledged, socially supported, or validated. When it comes to abortion, this type of grief can be particularly prevalent, as many women and men may not feel able to openly express their emotions. Society often fails to recognize the depth of loss some may experience after an abortion, whether it’s grief over the pregnancy itself, the decision-making process, or the potential future that was never realized. This lack of validation can make the grieving process more isolating and challenging, as women might feel pressured to hide or suppress their feelings.

Here are a few ways you can begin to emotionally heal from your abortion experience: 

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s important to recognize and accept the range of emotions you may experience, from relief to sadness. Allow yourself to feel without judgment. Use journaling as a tool to process what you feel.
2. Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who can provide a listening ear and understanding. Professional counseling can also be beneficial in processing your emotions.
3. Practice Self-Compassion: Be gentle with yourself. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s reading, creating art, or spending time in nature.

Feelings of pain, grief, and loss after an abortion, though common, are not something that most people expect to experience. Sometimes due to a lack of sufficient information or counseling before an abortion, many don’t realize how common this response is. They are then left surprised by their reaction and wondering, “Why am I feeling this way?”

Any experience of an unexpected/stressful event or a sudden loss is traumatic. It shakes up your sense of stability. The world isn’t the way you expected it to be, which can complicate the grieving process. Know that you are not alone. 

If you find yourself struggling with a past abortion experience, Clearway offers healing groups to help you process abortion-related grief and pain with support and guidance. We offer this program in groups to provide an opportunity for you to speak with other women or men who share similar experiences. Even though one in four women have abortion in their history, each person’s journey is unique. You may feel like your feelings are different from those around you. Not everyone will experience them in the same way or order. Try not to compare your grief to someone else’s or judge yourself for your feelings. Your feelings are valid, and trying to convince yourself that you shouldn’t feel this way won’t change the feelings you are experiencing. Instead, allow yourself space to process and work through them.

Women who have received grief support even decades after their abortion(s) have overwhelmingly said that they wish they had gone through a healing group sooner. At Clearway, we offer 10-week healing groups, 4-day healing retreats, and monthly drop-in support groups. We have programs available for both women and men. We can also refer you to a therapist with an understanding of your type of grief.

Moving Forward

Healing after an abortion is a unique journey. By prioritizing both your physical and emotional well-being, you can navigate this period with resilience and strength. Remember, it’s okay to seek help and take the time you need to heal fully. Your well-being is paramount, and taking these steps can empower you to move forward towards healing and peace.

If you’re currently facing an unplanned pregnancy, we have free pregnancy confirmation services and support available. Schedule your free consultation today.