Lack of counselling before agreeing to have an abortion can lead to problems afterwards.
When help and support from family and friends are not available, a woman’s adjustment to her decision can be difficult.
If she felt forced into the decision as a result of pressure from the father of the child, her family or friends, she may become angry and withdraw from them.
If she felt like she had no choice but to go through with it, she also could experience complicated emotions afterwards.
A woman’s poor response to her abortion in the long run can also be because of past events in her life.
For example, the bad feelings could last longer if she is not used to making big life decisions or if she already has serious emotional problems.
Speaking to a professional, objective counsellor will help such a woman to get information that allows her to fully consider her decision before taking action.
It is very important to find a source of information that does not benefit financially from any decision about the abortion.
Pregnancy centres are the best source of information and support for women thinking about it, as well as helping them emotionally afterwards.
Mboya Masipa