Post-Abortion syndrome (PAS) is what some women experience following an abortion. While some can experience relief right after their abortion, emotions can "catch up" with them months or even years later. Many express that they wish they could go back and "undo" the abortion. Some typical symptoms include: guilt, anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, re-experiencing the abortion, fear of not being able to get pregnant again, survival guilt, eating disorders, alcohol or drug abuse.

• Studies point out that the risk of an ectopic or tubal (not in the uterus but in the tubes that lead to the uterus) pregnancy is 30% higher for women who have had one abortion, and up to four times higher for women with two or more abortions.1
• When a woman has an ectopic pregnancy she has a 12% risk of dying in a future pregnancy.

• 5% of women suffer PID following induced (or surgical) abortion. PID can lead to fever and infertility (not being able to get pregnant again)2
• · There is a 23% higher risk of infection if you have an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease).
• · 40% of the sexually active are suspected carriers of STDs.3

Reputable studies suggest that women who abort face a 50% increase in breast cancer. If the woman has a family history of breast cancer, this rate doubles with each successive abortion, if the woman is under 18 or over 30 years of age when the abortion takes place.4

Placenta previa is a condition in pregnancy where the sac holding the baby (the placenta) tears away from the uterine lining. This can result in extreme and severe life-threatening bleeding. Women who have experienced abortion have a 600% increase in their risk for placenta previa in future pregnancies.5

Infertility and sterility mean that a woman cannot get pregnant. Abortion causes sterility in 2-5% of the women who have an abortion.6

50% of women who have had abortions report experiencing emotional and psychological problems lasting for months or years. These emotions include, but aren't limited to:

Many of these women go on to report that they regret their choice and would do anything to go back and undo the decision that resulted in so much pain.

In addition to the risks listed above, women having chemical abortions often see the complete tiny bodies of their unborn child and are even able to see the child's developing hands, eyes, etc. So traumatic is this for some women that it is recommended that women unprepared for the experience not take the drugs.11

"The Morning After Pill" (Emergency Contraception Pill) - Acts as an abortifacent – It consists of 2 tablets taken generally within 72 hours of intercourse. Medical problems would be similar to birth control pills, however effects could be more pronounced.9
Possible Effects:

• Nausea and vomiting

“The RU-486” (Medical Abortion) The body makes a natural chemical called “progesterone” and the RU-486 works against this hormone, breaking down and destroying the surroundings of the baby to include the placenta and eventually the baby as well. A second chemical is added during this abortion to cause cramping and contractions to starve the baby, and push the dead baby out through the mother’s womb.

• Nausea

This chemical may not work and a surgical abortion may still be required.10

If you are considering abortion because of your circumstances, know that you can change your situation. If you aren't sure about this choice, take time to find out "why" you have these feelings. We are here to help you in any situation regardless of your decision.

If you suffer with the pain of Post-Abortion Syndrome (PAS), please contact one of the following ministries:
   Project Rachel at 1-800-964-3787
   Rachel's Vineyard at 1-877-467-3463