Post Abortion Side Effects (PAS) Definition: The stress reaction experienced after having an abortion. PAS is a sub-category of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

PAS Symptoms (including percentage of women who experience them after having an abortion):

• Guilt (61%)
• Anger (45%)
• Remorse (45%)
• Depression (53%)
• Suicidal Thoughts (32%)
• Suicide Attempts (28%)
• Flashbacks to Abortion (28%)

Factors that will determine how severely a patient experiences PAS symptoms include:

• A crisis situation surrounding your pregnancy
• Urgency you feel when making the decision to have an abortion
• Absence of a support system
• Obligation to keep your pregnancy a secret
• Denial about recognizing and resolving your losses

Quiz: Rate Your Risk for Experiencing Post Abortion Side Effects

1. Are you single?
2. Are you 18 or younger?
3. Are you in your second or third trimester?
4. Is having an abortion a difficult decision for you?
5. Are you worried that your family/friends might find out that you are pregnant?
6. Do you feel pressured by someone to have an abortion?
7. Do you feel pressured by your circumstances to have an abortion?
8. Do you feel rushed to have an abortion?
9. Do you have any emotional or psychiatric problems?
10. Have you had prior emotional or psychiatric problems?
11. Do you have any unresolved trauma or grief?
12. Have you been sexually assaulted or abused?
13. Do you lack support from family or friends?
14. Do you believe abortion is wrong?

If you answered "Yes" to two or more of the above questions, you are at HIGH RISK for experiencing PAS.

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The Elliot Institute (2011).  Abortion Risks: A list of major psychological complications related to abortion.  Retrieved from: http://afterabortion.org/2011/abortion-risks-a-list-of-major-psychological-complications-related-to-abortion/