The Long Answer: Therapy as a Judgment-Free Zone
I’ve worked in abortion care for years and one thing I’ve learned is that they are way more common than most people realize—and yet, it’s still loaded with stigma, silence, and internalized shame. Abortion is common, but that doesn’t make it simple. In therapy, you shouldn’t have to explain why you made the decision, perform your healing, or apologize for how you’re feeling (or not feeling). There is no “right” way to process it.
For some people, the decision to have an abortion comes with feelings of relief and clarity. For others, they may carry feelings of grief, guilt, confusion—or nothing at all. Some aren’t even sure if they want to talk about it, but feel like it’s lingering. All of this is normal. And all of this is welcome.
If Your Abortion Was Traumatic
Sometimes it’s not about the abortion itself—it’s the context, the system, or the way you were treated. Maybe you experienced medical trauma. Maybe you felt unsupported or coerced into your decision. Maybe it brought up old sexual trauma or stirred up memories from a previous pregnancy loss. You’re allowed to name that too. You don’t need a diagnosis or clear narrative to deserve support.
You’re Allowed to Bring It Up—Even If:
You’ve had multiple abortions
You were unsure about your decision
It was years ago but it feels unresolved
It wasn’t traumatic at the time but something shifted later
You’re also a parent
You don’t feel sad, and you’re worried someone might judge you for that
A Note of Caution About “Pregnancy Care Centres”
If you’re looking for support after an abortion or while considering your options, it’s important to be mindful where you seek care. Some organizations—often called pregnancy care centres or crisis pregnancy centres —present themselves as supportive or “pro-choice”, but are actually operated by anti-abortion groups.
These centres may:
Give misleading or inaccurate medical information
Use shame-based tactics
Delay access to time-sensitive services
Discourage or pressure you away from abortion
Not all support is created equal. You deserve care that is non-judgmental, evidence-based, and truly centered on your autonomy.
If you’re unsure about a service, look for:
Licensed professionals (therapists, social workers, physicians)
Clear language about supporting all pregnancy options
Transparency about the organization’s values and affiliations
You can always reach out to me to verify whether a service is safe or aligned with your values. I’m here to help you access support that’s honest, trauma-informed, and free of pressure—always.