humanlife.org
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
what about rape?
and incest?
esearchers David C. Reardon, Julie Makimaa, and Amy Sobie just completed (2000) a
nine year study on pregnancy outcomes of sexual assault victims. $ ^{1} $
As part of their research the authors drew upon testimonies from 192 women who became pregnant as a result of rape or incest, and 55 children conceived in sexual assault.
The conclusion reached by the researchers is that: "Sexual assault is actually a contraindication for abortion. A doctor treating a sexual assault victim should advise against abortion precisely because of the traumatic nature of the pregnancy." The testimonies and studies quoted in this book "confirm that both the mother and child are helped by preserving life, not by perpetuating violence."
"Research shows that after any abortion, it is common for women to experience guilt, depression, feelings of being dirty,' resentment of men, and lowered self-esteem. These feelings are identical to what women typically feel after rape. Abortion only adds to and accentuates the traumatic feelings associated with sexual assault. Rather than easing the psychological burdens, abortion adds to them.
"Kathleen DeZeeuw, whose son Patrick was conceived in rape when she was 16, writes: I, having lived through rape, and also having raised a child "conceived in rape" feel personally assaulted and insulted every time I hear that abortion should be legal because of rape and incest. I feel that we're being used by pro-abortionists
to further the abortion issue though we've not been asked to tell our side of the story.'
"The case against abortion for incest pregnancies is even stronger. Studies show that incest victims rarely ever voluntarily agree to abortion. Instead of viewing the pregnancy as unwanted, the incest victim is more
"It doesn't matter how I began.
What matters is who I will become."
Julie Makimaa (above right) conceived in rape
see the pregnancy as a way out of the incestuous relationship because the birth of her child will expose the sexual activity..."
"For example, Edith Young, a 12-year-old victim of incest, writes twenty-five years after the abortion of her child: 'The abortion which was to "be in my best interest" just has not been. As far as I can tell, it only "saved their reputations, solved their problems" and "allowed their lives to go merrily on."
The Reality of Post Abortion Syndrome
Does Post Abortion Syndrome (PAS) exist?
Yes, much research has been done on this issue. Even representatives of Planned Parenthood, an organization that has historically denied the legitimacy of post abortion traumatization and the idea that abortion involves a human
death experience, has affirmed that women can have a variety of emotions following an abortion (grief, depression, anger, guilt, relief, etc.). It is important to give her the opportunity to air these feelings and be assured that her feelings are normal. The counselor can also help by letting the woman know that a sense of loss or depression following an abortion is common, due to both the end of the pregnancy as well as the physical and hormonal changes that occur after a pregnancy is over. $ ^{1} $
What causes PAS?
Dr. Martha Shuping, a psychiatrist with more than ten years experience in helping women with post abortion issues, offers this explanation:
At least 70% of women having an abortion say they believe it is immoral. But they choose against their conscience because of pressure from others and their circumstances... It is precisely because so many women who abort are acting against their consciences and maternal instincts that the psychological impact of abortion can be so profound. $ ^{2} $
What are some of the symptoms of PAS?
Guilt is ever present in many guises, along with regret, remorse, shame, lowered selfesteem, insomnia, dreams and nightmares, flash backs, anniversary reactions. There often is hostility, and even hatred, toward men. This can include her husband, and she may become sexually dysfunctional. Crying, despair and depression are usual, even at times with suicide attempts. Recourse to alcohol or drugs to mask the pain is frequent sometimes leading to sexual promiscuity. $ ^{3} $
For further reading, and statistics on aborted women, obtain the books: Aborted Women Silent No More by David C. Reardon, Ph.D. and Victims and Victors by D. Reardon, J. Makimaa and A. Sobie. For research on substance abuse following abortion, see "The Incidence and Effects of Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Women Following Induced Abortion," available from Human Life Alliance, 651-484-1040. Also check out the following scientific studies: A. Speckhard & V. Rue, Post Abortion Syndrome: An Emerging Public Health Concern, Journal of Social Issues, vol. 48. no. 3, 1992. P. Ney et al., Mental Health & Abortion, Psychiatric Journal, U. of Ottawa, vol. 14, no. 4, 1989. L DeVeber et al., Post Abortion Grief, Psychological Sequel. of Abortion, Humane Medicine, vol. 7, no. 3, Aug. 1991, p. 203.
1. David C. Reardon, Julie Makimaa, and Amy Sobie. Victims and Victors. Acorn Books, Springfield, IL 2000. pp.15-17. For further information see http://www.afterabortion.org
1. Saltzman & Policar, quoted in J. of Social Issues, vol. 48, 1992, p.103.
2. Hope and Healing supplement , Elliot Institute, www.afterabortion.org.
3. Willke & Wilke. Why Can't We Love Them Both, Hayes Publishing Co.
What About Rape & Incest?