Are you thinking about disclosing a past abortion to someone you’re close to? Sharing this information can be painful, especially if you’re wrestling with regrets or conflicted emotions. However, perhaps you believe that “going there” with a specific loved one could be the right move for you, despite the risks. Maybe you’re debating whether or not to tell your teen child about your abortion experience. If so, this blog goes out to you!
Whether you had your abortion yesterday or decades ago, a conversation about your abortion could re-trigger difficult emotions for you and create complex new ones for your teenager. This dialogue could also come with some benefits. It could help you process your feelings more effectively, alleviate potential feelings of guilt, and perhaps strengthen your relationship with your teen in the long run. No woman is under any obligation to tell her child about a past abortion. It’s a unique decision, and one person’s “best” approach may look different than someone else’s. However, as a rule of thumb, it’s healthiest to avoid making this choice based on fear.
If telling your teen about your abortion feels like the right step for you, ask yourself if fear is holding you back. Anxiety is usually an unhealthy motivator for decision-making because it tends to make us feel vulnerable. A better approach would involve coming to terms with your abortion experience at your own pace, so you can process it in the healthiest way possible alongside your loved ones. If you sense that you need some inner emotional healing, seek it out. You’ll likely feel better equipped to navigate the road ahead with your teen and other people in your life once you’ve started that journey.
Restore After Abortion exists to encourage and empower individuals facing circumstances like yours. We’ve been providing free post-abortion support to women and men for over 20 years. Many people who struggle with difficult feelings concerning past abortions feel isolated because they don’t realize how normal their experiences are, and they’re scared of how their loved ones may react. Restore is here to help you face the past so you can discover hope and purpose for the present and future.
Reach out to us today! Our program offers opportunities to meet in a support group setting or one-on-one with a Restore leader, virtually or in-person.