Post-abortion Syndrome is a Post-traumatic Stress Disorder commonly experienced by women who have had one or more abortions. Through the process of denial, the woman has blocked the natural grieving process of the death of her child and has often denied her responsibility in the abortion.

The denial or suppression blocks the healing process and the possibility of forgiveness of herself and others. The trauma will often then manifest itself as a breakdown of function in psychological, physical or spiritual areas.

Some of the inward symptoms manifested as a result of Post-abortion Syndrome are:

• self-hatred;
• low self-esteem;
• anger;
• frustration;
• confusion;
• suspicion;
• isolation;
• guilt;
• deep despair;
• shame;
• and depression.

Outward symptoms include:

• self-victimization;
• rejection of compliments;
• a feeling that God isn’t listening to her;
• defensiveness; insensitivity;
• passive-aggressive behaviour;
• eating disorders;
• uncontrolled weeping for no reason;
• intense anger over minor issues;
• and so on.

When a client comes to TLC for post-abortion recovery and healing, we encourage her to comment on each of the many inward and outward symptoms. As she sees how these symptoms have affected her everyday life, she is challenged to think about them and encouraged to let them go.

This is just one of the many healing exercises a Post-abortion client will be doing when she attends our Post-abortion program – one of the many steps towards wholeness and forgiveness.

If you or someone you know is interested in attending this course, please contact Irma at the Centre. Our number is 905-836-5433.