After abortion Care

You’re Not Alone.
Let’s Heal Together.

The memory of a past abortion can still bring about painful and intense emotions. Work through these intense feelings confidentially with a peer mentor to help your body and heart begin to heal.

Schedule Appointment

The Pregnancy Journey Doesn’t End After An Abortion

Birth Choice of San Marcos provides a safe, welcoming, and comfortable atmosphere, providing you with peer counseling and resources to help with your recovery. Many post-abortive experiences have been described to have symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD [1].

"I am forever grateful for the love and compassion of Birth Choice in my time of need. I can’t help but look back on how far I have come. I was so broken the day I walked in your office, I remember the hope that I felt each time I went through the post-abortive program and how you helped me pick up the pieces and put them back together. Thank you for being there for me when no one else could understand me.”

Isabel | Client Testimonials

What services do you offer for after-abortion care?

Birth Choice provides compassionate, confidential peer counseling from women who have dealt with these same feelings. Please call to set up an appointment. Services are absolutely free. We can help!

Is there an age limit or gender limit?

There is no age limit on who can receive after-abortion care. Whether you had one abortion or multiple abortions one week ago or three decades ago, there’s help for you. This program is designed for the individual who physically experienced an abortion. However, since an abortion decision touches the lives of many people, including the mother, father and those in their inner circle, we can provide resources to those who have had a direct or indirect experience with abortion loss.

How is it free?

We don’t believe that money should stop someone from receiving post-abortion support

Thanks to community organizations, Church congregations, businesses, and individuals who have a heart for those with a past abortion, all expenses are covered by donors who support Birth Choice Pregnancy Center. Birth Choice is a faith-based 501(c)3 organization that receives no profit or financial incentive for after abortion care.

Do I have to be religious to take part?

Birth Choice is a faith-based organization, but we do not require or coerce anyone to have a particular faith to take part in abortion recovery support, nor do we withhold support from those who are not faith-based. Since we take a holistic approach to all our care, our curriculum is faith-based to address the deep-seated spiritual impact abortion has on another human being. We believe that every human has immeasurable value, and our highest aim is that you feel respected and loved.

Are you hurting?

After an abortion, some women have said they initially felt relief, while others report negative feelings and emotions that don’t go away. Pregnancy loss can be an experience involving grief and pain. Some women actually report problems related to their abortions months or even years later. For these women, abortion is an ordeal that should not be ignored or denied.

Scientific evidence indicates that abortion is more likely to be associated with negative psychological outcomes when compared to miscarriage or carrying a pregnancy to term. [1]

Evidence shows an increased risk for:

Guilt
Self-destructive behaviors such as eating disorders, alcohol and/or substance abuse, abusive relationships, promiscuity [2]
Re-experiencing events related to the abortion, memories or nightmares
Clinical depression and anxiety [3]
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors [4]
Symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder [5]
Psychological numbing
Preoccupation with becoming pregnant again
Trouble bonding and maintaining relationships
Anniversary reactions
Couples can experience problems in their relationships [6]
Spiritual consequences depending on your beliefs

View Links to Resources & References

1.1 Curley, M., Johnston, C. (2013). The characteristics and severity of psychological distress after abortion among university students. The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, doi: 10:1007/s11414-013-9328-0.
1.2 Coleman, P.K., Coyle, C., Rue, V. (2010). Late-term elective abortion and susceptibility to posttraumatic stress symptoms. Journal of Pregnancy, Retrieved from http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2010/130519. Accessed February 1, 2014.
1.3 Thorp, J.M., Hartmann, K.E., Shadigan, E. Long-term physical and psychological health consequences of induced abortion: Review of the evidence. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2003;58(1):67-69.
1.4 Rue, V.M., et al. Induced abortion and traumatic stress: A preliminary comparison of American and Russian women. Med Sci Monit. 2004;10:5-16.
[1] Coleman, P.K.(2011). Abortion and mental health: Quantitative synthesis and analysis of research published 1995-2009. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 199, 180-86. Doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.110.077230.
[2] Thorp, J.M., Hartmann, K.E., Shadigian, E. Long-term physical and psychological health consequences of induced abortion: Review of the evidence. Obstet Gynecol Surv. 2003;58(1):67-79.
[3] Fergusson, D.M., et al. Abortion in young women and subsequent mental health. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2006;47(1):16-24.
[4] Coleman, P.K., Reardon, D., Rue, V. Prior history of induced abortion in relation to substance use during subsequent pregnancies carried to term. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2002;187:1673-78.
[5] Coleman, P.K., et al. Substance use among pregnant women in the context of previous reproductive loss and desire for current pregnancy. Br J Health Psychol. 2005;10:255-68.
[6] Coleman, P.K. Resolution of unwanted pregnancy during adolescence through abortion versus childbirth: Individual and family predictors and psychological consequences. J Youth Adolesc. 2006;35:903-11

Looking For something else?

We're available to help on your own terms. Support is available through text, call, or in-person at our clinic. All with your confidentiality preserved.