Facing an unexpected pregnancy can feel like standing at a crossroads, with each path carrying its own weight. If you’re considering abortion, you might wonder how you’ll feel after it’s done.
Emotions can be tricky, unpredictable, and linger longer than expected—days, weeks, or even years after the procedure. Let’s explore what might shape your thoughts down the road.
The Emotional Unknown
No one can predict exactly how you’ll feel post-abortion. Some women move forward without looking back, while others find shadows creeping in over time. A study from the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons found that 9.3% of respondents reported regret after their procedure. That’s nearly one in ten wrestling with a heavy heart—enough to pause and wonder what stirs those feelings.
A Voice of Experience
One woman from that study shared this raw reflection on the subject of experiencing regret after her abortion:
“The thought of anyone hurting them has an enormous effect on me as a mother. The knowledge that I ended the life of my child is difficult to manage emotionally. I have struggled over the years with being extremely hard on myself & emotionally beating up on myself. On the outside, I don’t think anyone would see that. I look like I have it ‘together.’ However, it is a battle that I have to be very intentional about. Regret is a crippling state of mind.”
What Fuels Regret?
Regret doesn’t hit everyone the same way. It might stem from a shift in perspective, like becoming a parent later, or from unmet expectations about moving on. Pressure from others or silence about the choice can amplify it, too. When life slows down, the quiet moments sometimes let those “what ifs” slip in.
You can’t rewind time, but you can weigh what matters to you now. Talking it out, even just to yourself, might uncover what’s driving your decision. You will live with this moment in the future, so you owe it to yourself to give it a voice before you choose.
Find Support at Life Choices
It can be a lot to handle when you’re considering abortion. But you don’t have to face it alone. At Life Choices, we’re here with free, nonjudgmental support for women facing unexpected pregnancies.
We offer free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, information about your options, and more. Make an appointment today—we’re here for you. Take a deep breath; you’ve got the strength to face this.