Women choose abortion for many reasons, but the most common reasons they report are relational problems with the father of the child, worry about the responsibility, fear of financial liability, concern about lifestyle changes, and fear of others discovering sexual activity.

How do I know if I’m affected?

No two women are alike and everyone responds differently, however, some women have expressed experiencing some of the following:

• Guilt
• Anxiety
• Psychological “numbing”
• Signs of depression, such as unexplained feelings of sadness; sudden uncontrollable crying episodes; poor self-concept; sleep, appetite, or sexual problems; reduced motivation; conflicts in relationships; thoughts of suicide
• Anniversary grief (on the anniversary date of the abortion or expected due date of pregnancy)
• Flashbacks of the abortion
• Preoccupation with becoming pregnant again
• Anxiety over fertility and childbearing issues
• Interruption of the bonding process with other children
• Survival guilt
• Eating disorders
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Other self-punishing or self-degrading behaviors
• Brief reactive psychosis

If you would like to meet in a confidential setting to discuss your abortion experience(s) First Place OPTIONS offers group and individual post-abortion counselling no matter how recent or how long ago your abortion(s).

First Place OPTIONS offers an intensive, condensed group post-abortion course throughout the year. If you are interested in post-abortion recovery contact info@firstplaceoptions.ca or call 613-228-7475. Pre-registration is necessary. Dates, times and locations will only be disclosed to group participants in order to maintain their confidentiality.

• Fear of failure
• Fear of being judged
• Fear of making decisions
• Fear of taking risks
• Fear of defeat
• Feeling unworthy
• Depression
• Guilt
• Shame
• Panic Attacks
• Addictions
• Suicidal thoughts
• Sexual dysfunction
• Sense of loss
• And many more…