The Fourth of July is right around the corner and summer is officially in full swing. The days are long and the sun is hot. Pools are filled, grills are fired up, and fireworks in the late evening hours are routinely waking up babies and scaring dogs into hiding. But, isn’t it all fantastic? I simply love this time of year.

We are so blessed to live in a country where freedom is not only celebrated but protected by our lawmakers. We all too often take for granted the simple things like the right to vote or the freedom of speech. We have so much to be grateful for in this country.

But, essentially, for every freedom we have today, there was once a cost. Men and women  fought, and still fight, for our rights to live freely in this country. Since the founding of this nation, men and women throughout history have sacrificed their own freedoms and allowed themselves to be persecuted in order to stand up for what was right and fight for our collective freedom. Men and women who serve in the military often have to leave their spouses and children for long periods of time so they can continue to protect those freedoms. Many have even lost their lives. Freedom comes at a cost.

A modern-day freedom that has been in the limelight in recent years is the “Freedom to Choose” – referring to reproductive rights and the right of a pregnant woman to decide whether or not to carry her baby to term. It is a heated debate that has many sides to it, but what I’d like to focus on today is the cost of exercising that freedom.

The stresses of unplanned pregnancies are often highlighted, but what about the stresses women encounter who choose abortion? What price do they pay? Typically, after going through with an abortion, there is a time of initial relief to the ending of the pregnancy. But, so often, other emotions surface days, weeks, months and even years later that are related to the abortion.  Emotions such as anger, despair, depression and regret are common when one starts to process through the abortion experience.  Some women experience symptoms related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) including panic-inducing flashbacks of the abortion experience itself. They may find themselves avoiding routes near the abortion clinic or having panic attacks when visiting doctors’ offices, as it reminds them of their abortion procedure. Others throw themselves into drugs or alcohol to help them cope with feelings they aren’t ready to face. Some enter a deep state of denial, busying themselves with work or relationships. Ultimately, the feelings surface and they have to deal with them. But, by that time, some do not even realize these feelings are connected to their abortions.

Although every woman copes with the aftermath of abortion differently, there is no denying it that abortion comes at a cost. Unfortunately, it is not something that is often talked about and women can be left feeling alone, not knowing where to turn.  Have you experienced the aftermath of abortion? Are you dealing with any of the emotions or struggles we discussed today? You are not alone. At Restore, we are here to help you find the hope and freedom from the pain you are longing for. All our services are completely confidential and judgmental-free. Call or text Restore at 630-599-0043 today.