Each person’s experience with abortion is unique. No matter the reason for your past abortion(s), you may be feeling a variety of different things. Some women feel relief and do not regret their decision. Others may struggle with the decision and experience a sense of grief and loss. Some may not regret the decision but still feel a sense of loss or experience anxiety and depression.
You may be keeping your abortion a secret from your friends and family, and this can cause you to feel alone in your decision. You may also be experiencing loneliness in the ambiguity of your loss, or feeling like you should be fine with your decision.
Whatever you are feeling, know that you are not alone. Current studies estimate that nearly 24% of women have experienced abortion at some point in their lives, and 34% of women experienced negative effects from their medication abortion, no matter their stance on the topic.
Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome is the residual pain after an abortion that can be felt through shame, grief, regret, or other mental or physical symptoms. Symptoms of PASS can be similar to those of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. A study by the American Psychological Foundation in 2008 found that approximately 38% of women who had experienced abortion experienced symptoms of abortion-specific post-traumatic stress. Another study fro the British Journal of Psychiatry indicated that women who have had an abortion are 81% more at risk for mental health problems, with 10% of those mental health problems shown to be directly related to the abortion itself.
Following an abortion, you may be experiencing depression, guilt, difficulty forgiving yourself, anxiety, panic attacks, discomfort around pregnant women and/or infants, flashbacks and/or nightmares, anger, feelings of numbness, sexual or relationship problems, or destructive behaviors such as eating disorders or illicit drug use.
Some women may feel more symptoms or struggle emotionally around an anniversary, expected due date, the birth of a child later on, or other triggering events such as places or sounds. Each person’s grief and triggers are valid, and you are not alone in your struggle.
While it’s not easy to face the feelings surrounding an abortion experience, it can be incredibly beneficial.
Our Abortion Support program, offered by Alpha Center in Fort Collins, is a 9-week group study led by women who have personally experienced abortion(s) and can empathize with your situation. They can understand and relate to you. The leaders, who have been trained to support post-abortive women, are passionate about helping you find the healing that they themselves have experienced.
Each meeting lasts about 2 hours and the small groups have between 2-4 participants. This group is open for women who experienced medication abortion or surgical abortion, and can benefit those whose abortions were recent or years ago.
Our leaders are also able to meet with you one-on-one to provide support if you are unable or not yet ready to join a group.
Confidentiality is important to us; we want to make sure you feel comfortable sharing your experience and feelings.
Topics covered in the program include grieving the loss, restoring faith and trust in yourself, healing broken relationships, identifying and controlling triggers, and finding peace and closure.
As with Alpha Center’s programs, After Abortion Support is offered at no cost to you.
Yes. We do not share your identity with others and your information is kept confidential.
No. It doesn’t matter if your abortion was 40 or 4 years ago, as long as you are ready. Before joining, you will meet with one of our group leaders to see if the program is right for you.
Even if the group isn’t the best option for you, we will work with you to find something to help for your specific circumstance.
No. We have had women from all walks of life and beliefs attend and benefit from the group and study materials.
Yes. For a secular curriculum or program, we recommend Support After Abortion’s programs, available for both women and men.
Men are not immune to the effects of abortion, and your pain is real. While Alpha Center’s After Abortion Support Group is specifically for women, healing options for men can be found through Support After Abortion. You can also seek counseling with one of Alpha Center’s counselors. For other resources, contact our Community Resources team at 970.221.5121.
Our next group starts January 12, 2026.
