What is Post-abortion Stress Syndrome

Post-Abortion Syndrome is a stress disorder commonly experienced by men who have fathered children who were aborted. Through the process of denial, some men block the natural process of grieving and dealing with the death of their children. They deny their responsibility for the abortion, and in so doing, block the natural grieving process that must take place before healing can occur.

Abortion not only affects the father of the baby, but the grandfather, the siblings, and other relatives. Men who marry women who have had abortions are also affected by their wife's pain, even if they did not father the aborted child.

There are several reasons why abortion hurts men.

Abortion takes the life of a developing baby in the womb of its mother. The abortion of a child ends the process of procreation between a man and a woman. It destroys the seed of the man and woman, thereby severing their lineage.

Abortion denies a man's instinct for commitment, protection, and provision.

Abortion is a conscious decision that significantly alters our value of life. It is a statement of severe rejection. While viewed as a solution to a "problem pregnancy," the costs are high, with immediate cost being our failure to multiply.

The guilt and fear from an abortion can erode a man's ability to trust women, authority, and even God.

Abortion may result in anger, anxiety, and errors in judgment. This can cause failures in present and future relationships with women, children, and others, and may diminish one's capacity as a father, a husband, and a man.

Symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress caused by Abortion:
(This list may not be all-inclusive)
Can't bond with children

• Sleeplessness, bad dreams, nightmares

• Avoidance behaviors/addictions

• Sexual dysfunctions

• Guilt/shame or anger

• Inability to relax

• Loneliness or numbness

• Hollow relief

• Depression, fear of failure, or fear of rejection

• Sense of loss

• Relationship changes

• Eating disorders

• The Healing Process for Post-Abortion Syndrome

The psychological and emotional damage of an abortion is called post-traumatic stress, or post-abortion syndrome. Joining a Bible study support group will allow you to:

• Know where the hurt is

• Clear up misperception of what a personal relationship to God is

• Grieve the loss of the child, grandchild, brother, sister, or other family member

• Recognize accountability

• Deal with guilt and shame, and overcome anger

• Rebuild confidence as a protector, provider, and preserver of the family

• Rebuild trust with God, women, and others

• Form positive support structures in life

• Forgive, accept, and be forgiven

• Establish lasting tools for rebuilding relationships

• Take steps toward restitution