Like miscarriage and still birth, abortion can be a death experience. Melbourne Psychiatrist, Dr Eric Seal, M.A., D.P.M., F.R.A.N.C.P., defined Post Abortion Syndrome (PAS) as 'a delayed or slow developing, prolonged and sometimes chronic grief syndrome.'

Typically (but not always), the abortion is followed by years of unrecognised negative reactions (usually 5 to 10 years), the woman not consciously associating the problems she is experiencing with the abortion.

Triggering Events

The onset of delayed symptoms is often precipitated by a triggering event such as:

• an anniversary date (due date of birth, or anniversary of the abortion)
• relationship deterioration or breakup
• miscarriage
• failure to conceive
• loss of a wanted child
• the onset of menopause
• the birth of a wanted child (often diagnosed as Post Natal Depression)
• the death of a loved one
• another death experience
• birth of a friend's child, niece or nephew or grandchild

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Research has found that many women don't connect the problems they are experiencing with the abortion.
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Source: Abortion Grief Australia Inc.