By Kathy Gibson
When I found out I was pregnant, I was overwhelmed. It felt like the world stopped. I couldn’t imagine how I would raise a child, how I would tell my family, or what my future would look like. I was scared, and several people told me that abortion was a good, reasonable option. It seemed like the only way to regain control over what felt like a crisis.
At the time, I believed that if I just got through the procedure, everything would go back to normal. I told myself I’d be able to move on with my life and forget this ever happened. But what I wasn’t prepared for—what no one really talked about—was the emotional aftermath.
The Emotions No One Warned Me About After Getting An Abortion
Grief. Guilt. Confusion. Even moments of relief, strangely mixed with a deep sadness. These weren’t things I felt right away. For a while, I kept myself busy and told myself it was over and done. But slowly, the emotions began to catch up with me—first in small ways, then in larger ones.
I began to drink more. I experimented with drugs. My relationships became more difficult to maintain, and I didn’t understand why. I couldn’t explain the heaviness I was carrying because I had never expected it to be there.
That’s when I started learning that I wasn’t alone. Studies show that up to 40% of women experience emotional distress after an abortion, and it can range from mild sadness to more serious struggles with anxiety, depression, or even substance use. That distress looks different for everyone. Some women feel anger or regret. Others struggle with their sense of identity or self-worth. And many don’t even connect the dots until much later.
I wish someone had told me these emotions were normal. I wish I had known that I wasn’t broken or weak for feeling the way I did—and that there were people and places where I could talk about it safely, without fear of judgment.
The Silence After Abortion Can Be Isolating
One of the hardest parts was feeling like I couldn’t talk about what I was going through. Abortion is often treated like a quick fix—something you do, move on from, and never speak of again. But when the emotions hit, I didn’t know where to turn.
I tried to tell a friend once, but the conversation quickly changed, and I felt dismissed. I thought, “Maybe it’s just me. Maybe I’m the only one struggling with this.” I now know that many women carry these emotions silently, afraid to speak up because they don’t want to be judged or misunderstood.
That’s why I share my story now—because you’re not the only one. And you don’t have to carry this alone.
What You Can Do
If you’re currently considering abortion, I encourage you to pause—not just to think about the procedure, but to reflect on how you might feel afterward. This decision isn’t just physical. It’s emotional. It’s personal. And it’s okay to slow down, ask questions, and talk to people who understand.
You deserve to hear from women who have walked this path before you. You deserve to understand the full picture—not just what will happen in the clinic, but what might happen in your heart.
At Journey Women’s Centerr, we offer confidential, compassionate support. Whether you want to talk through your options or hear honest stories from women who’ve been there, we’re here. No pressure. No judgment. Just a safe place to breathe and think and ask the hard questions.
And if you’ve already had an abortion and you’re struggling—know this: your feelings are valid. You’re not weak. You’re not alone. You don’t have to hide or pretend everything’s okay. Healing is possible. Whether through one-on-one support, a support group, or simply talking to someone who listens with love, there is a way forward.
There’s Hope After Getting An Abortion
Looking back, I wish I had known what I know now. I wish someone had told me that my emotional health mattered just as much as my physical situation. That grief and guilt don’t mean I made the wrong choice—they mean I’m human. And that healing is real and available, no matter what my past holds.
If you’re reading this and feeling that same ache, please know there is hope. There is help. You don’t have to carry this on your own.
Whether you’re in the middle of a pregnancy decision or years beyond one, we’re here to walk with you.