Women who have experienced abortion are often plagued by disturbing questions:

• Did I make a mistake? Was abortion really the only choice I had?

• Is it really just a mass of tissue discarded?

• Was the choice I made a choice of life or death? 

• Who can I talk to and what will people think?

• Why do I feel depressed at the same time each year?

   Many women fell deceived, due to a lack of information.  Questions concerning the development of the fetus or the risk involved, both physically and psychologically, were either answered wrong, or not answered at all.  Coping with the experience is made worse by feeling unable to talk to anyone.  Guilt and uncertainty continue years after the event, while she attempts to push the memories aside and keep her pain silent.

But the pain doesn't leave.  Some women find that when they attempt to work through the pain, the memories are blocked.  Or, when she least expects it, situations trigger thoughts that bring back memories that have been blocked out for a long time.  Either way, the experience has left a permanent mark on her life.  

One known outcome of abortion is Post Abortion Syndrome or P.A.S. which affects as many as 50% of all post-abortive women.  This condition can be responsible for many long term emotional disturbances.  One or more of the following symptoms could indicate that you are suffering from P.A.S.

Symptoms of Post Abortion Syndrome

• Anxiety/Fear

• Self-Destructive Behavior

• Nightmares/Flashbacks

• Repeat Abortions

• Regret/Guilt

• Drug/Alcohol Abuse

• Secrecy about Abortion

• Feelings of Loss

• Suicidal Impulses

• Anger/Rage

• Inability to bond properly to living children

• Eating disorders

• Impaired ability to form close relationships

Now in Paducah, there is a source of help for women who need to work through their abortion experience.  Hope Unlimited is offering a confidential program called P.A.C.E. Post Abortion Counseling and Education.  It is designed to meet the needs of post-abortive women and men who are hurting after an abortion experience.  The goal of the PACE program is to guide women through healing tasks to find wholeness and forgiveness.  This 12 week program is free, an available throughout the year.

For more information, please call Hope Unlimited Center Director at 270-442-1166.  PACE is confidential to all those who attend.