Pregnancy After Abortion

You just saw two pink lines on a pregnancy test, and all you can think about is the last time you saw two pink lines on a pregnancy test. The fear, worry, and shame that filled your mind as you thought about the future. The difficulties you went through as you processed your decision. You decided to have an abortion, and this is the first time you’ve seen a positive test since. 

Whether this new pregnancy was planned or unplanned, it’s normal to be experiencing conflicting emotions. Whether it’s been a month or 10 years since your abortion, it’s important to process your experience with abortion to give yourself a fresh start with this pregnancy.

Here are three helpful ways to move forward with your pregnancy after an abortion.

1. Process your previous pregnancy experience. 

If your previous pregnancy ended in abortion, you may have lingering feelings of guilt or shame. You associate being pregnant with what was likely one of the most difficult experiences of your life. Whether you felt peace about choosing abortion or felt pressured by a partner or circumstances, it’s important to reflect on your experience so you can have freedom moving forward. 

Our team understands how you may be feeling. You’re not alone, and we’re here to help. You have options as you begin your journey to healing. At The Pregnancy Network, we can refer you to self-guided recovery, introduce you to a mentor who has been in your shoes to meet one-on-one, or connect you to an abortion recovery group. You can learn more about these options here. 

2. Let go of shame.

It’s easy to play the blame game when it comes to an unplanned pregnancy. You blame yourself, your partner, your birth control that failed… the list goes on. When you chose to have an abortion, you may have believed you didn’t have another option. You may have been trying to escape an unhealthy situation. You could have any number of reasons for the choice you made, but your past is behind you. Forgiving yourself is a crucial part of walking into this new pregnancy with confidence. 

3. Move forward with joy.

Once you have processed your abortion experience and let go of shame, you are free to move forward with joy for this new pregnancy. You are not the same person you were before, and that can be beautiful. You’ve learned, grown, and changed. Regardless of how long it’s been since your previous pregnancy, you can accept both grief and joy—grief for your previous pregnancy experience and joy to welcome this new baby. 

We’re here for you.

We know that walking through a new pregnancy can be intimidating, especially when your previous pregnancy ended in abortion. It can be easier said than done, but there is hope and healing available to you. Our trained Peer Advocates and licensed Registered Nurses are here to help. Make an appointment today for free medical services, education and resources, an opportunity to find community through Connect, and referrals for abortion recovery services. You’ve got this, and we’re here for you.