While most people are familiar with the term abortion and possibly even the different types of abortion procedures, far less are aware of the after affects women may endure when they have chosen to terminate a pregnancy. There is always concern for a woman’s physical state during and immediately after she has an abortion; however, less importance is usually placed on her emotional and psychological well being.

Thousands of women throughout the world obtain abortions every year. The decision to have an abortion is life altering and can have an enormous impact on a woman’s future health and well being. The reasons for having an abortion vary from woman to woman. The fact that a woman has even had to consider having an abortion can be in and of itself very disturbing emotionally.

Some women experience a tremendous sense of relief, while others may have feelings of guilt, anger or profound sadness. For most women these feelings gradually improve and cease to be after a short period of time; however, for a small percentage, they may become much more pronounced or serious and for a far longer period of time. The more certain a woman is about her decision to terminate her pregnancy, the less her chances will be of developing emotional or psychological problems. The same holds true for women who have friends and/or family to provide support before, during and after this emotionally trying time.

Emotional problems following an abortion tend to be more prevalent among women who have been previously diagnosed with depression, anxiety disorders or other mental health issues. Also noted at higher risk of developing depression are teenagers, separated or divorced women, and women with a history of more than one abortion. It is not unusual for a woman to experience a range of often contradictory emotions after having an abortion, just as it would not be unusual for a woman who carried her unintended pregnancy to term. There is no "right" way to feel after an abortion. Feelings of happiness, sadness, anxiety grief or relief are common. Providing women with an outlet for discussing their feelings is the first step toward the process of achieving emotional well being following an abortion.

Most experts agree that the negative feelings a woman may have after an abortion may be due to a negative reaction by her partner, friends or family members, who might judge her negatively for having an abortion or for even becoming pregnant in the first place. Research studies indicate that emotional responses to legally induced abortion are largely positive. They also indicate that emotional problems resulting from abortion are rare and less frequent than those following childbirth. Most studies in the last 25 years have found abortion to be a relatively benign procedure in terms of emotional effect except when pre-abortion emotional problems exist or when a wanted pregnancy is terminated, such as after diagnostic genetic testing.

While most abortion providers offer post abortion counseling or counseling referral sources, it was not until recently that a specialized organization was formed with the purpose of providing post abortion counseling in a nonjudgmental context. Founded in 2000 in Oakland, California, Exhale operates a national telephone hotline by which trained, volunteer peer counselors help women who have had abortions, as well as their partners and families, talk through their feelings, immediately after an abortion or even years later.