When you are deciding whether to have an abortion, your first questions often revolve around the physical aspects—
What is the abortion procedure?
What does recovery from an abortion look like?
What are the medical risks I should consider?
These are important factors, but the emotional and mental health impact are just as significant.
For many women, the emotional journey after an abortion is complex and sometimes unexpected. Understanding your potential feelings can help you prepare, seek support, and care for yourself better.
For some women, the immediate feeling after an abortion is relief. Relief can come from knowing a difficult decision has been made and is behind us, from resolving feelings of fear or uncertainty, or from feeling ready to move forward.
However, relief does not always tell the full story. In the days, weeks, months, or even years that follow, many women experience a wide range of emotions that may shift or intensify over time.
It’s important to remember that emotional responses to abortion vary widely from woman to woman. Some women may struggle deeply, while others feel little emotional impact. Personal beliefs, cultural background, spirituality, relationship dynamics, and the circumstances surrounding your pregnancy can all influence how you process the experience.
Past experiences—such as previous pregnancy loss, trauma, or mental health history—can also shape your emotional responses.
What are the most common feelings after an abortion?
Regret and sadness are among the most commonly reported feelings. These emotions may arise immediately or appear unexpectedly long after the procedure. Some women describe feeling conflicted—believing they made the right choice, yet still grieving what was lost.
Others of us struggle with guilt, wondering whether we could have chosen differently or whether our decision will affect us long-term.
What are other feelings after an abortion?
Another common challenge is isolation. Many women keep their abortion private, sometimes sharing the experience with only one or two trusted people—or with no one at all. Fear of judgment or misunderstanding can make it difficult for women to talk openly about complex emotions. This silence can intensify feelings of loneliness, making it harder to process emotions in a healthy way.
Emotional struggles after abortion are not uncommon, and research has shown that negative mental health effects can occur for some individuals. In fact, findings from a 17-year Canadian study highlight several key points based on its sample:
- Women who had abortions were twice as likely to be hospitalized for mental health concerns compared to those who carried their pregnancies to term.
- Out of 100 women in the study:
- 14 who had abortions experienced hospitalization for mental health complications.
- 7 who gave birth were hospitalized for similar reasons.
- The study noted increased risks related to depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and suicide attempts. (Journal of Psychiatric Research, Auger, Healy-Profitos, Ayoub, Lewin, Low. July 2025 pp. 304-310)
Statistics alone cannot capture each woman’s personal story, but they underscore the importance of acknowledging emotional health as a real and meaningful part of post-abortion care. No matter what the numbers say, every woman’s experience deserves compassion, understanding, and support.
Can I have a delayed reaction to an abortion?
Some women DO experience delayed emotional reactions. You may feel stable for months before a life event—such as a new pregnancy, a relationship change, a significant loss, or even an important anniversary date— but the event triggers deeper reflection or unresolved feelings. This is normal and does not mean someone is “going backward.” Healing is a process, and emotional responses can evolve over time.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health – What’s the Best Way to Care for Myself After An Abortion?
Given the potential emotional impact, caring for your mental well-being after an abortion is important. Support can make a meaningful difference. While some women naturally process their feelings on their own, you may benefit from guidance or conversation with someone you trust.
Talking with a licensed counselor or mental health professional can provide a safe and confidential space to explore emotions without fear of judgment. Therapists are trained to help individuals navigate grief, anxiety, guilt, and other difficult emotions, and they can offer coping strategies tailored to each person’s needs.
Support groups—whether online or in person—can also be incredibly reassuring. Hearing from others who have walked a similar path can remind women they are not alone, and shared experiences can provide comfort, understanding, and hope.
However, sometimes what you want is to talk to someone who has been right where you are and has experienced healing. That’s where the staff at Your Choices Randolph can be a huge help to you. Our abortion recovery team, who have abortions in their past, have experienced the aftermath of abortion and can walk with you through the process of healing. Contact us at 336.629.9988 to find out more.
You do not have to go through difficult feelings alone. Reaching out is a sign of strength, and healing is always possible.
Link to Canadian study – https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2025.05.031