Encourage The NHS To Take Measures To Prevent Post Abortion Stress Syndrome

The Royal College of Psychiatrists last conducted a study on the effects of abortion in 1994 where they found there to be no significant consequences. However, since 2000, numerous methodically conducted studies have found evidence to the contrary. Despite these recent findings, PASS isn’t widely acknowledged among medical professionals. Many women are told they will probably feel sad for a few days and are unprepared for the overwhelming guilt and sadness they feel, sometimes for the rest of their lives. Following this, there is post abortion counselling available throughout the country. However, there is very little in place to prevent PASS in the first place.

The risk of women suffering from PASS can be eliminated using the following methods:

Pre-abortion counselling
 This can encourage a woman to be more aware of what she wants without pressure from someone of biased opinion.
 This can help women talk through the decision with someone if they feel there is nobody else they can talk to.
 A counsellor can ascertain whether this is the right option for a woman from the counselling (for example, they may feel they have no choice as a partner or family member is threatening to abandon them but a counsellor can help them to see otherwise).
 It can help to ensure a woman is aware of all the options available to her.
 Due to the stress of the situation, a woman might not be entirely aware of a bond or her true feelings until it’s too late.

Pre-abortion questionnaires
The Marie Stopes website currently has one of these questionnaires online. This could be used as part of the counselling or instead if, for any reason, there is no time for a counselling session.
 This can help women to be clearer about what they want to do.
 This can help clinicians be certain that this is the best option for each woman.

For patients to be made aware of PASS
Not all patients will suffer from PASS but women deserve to know this is a possibility and where to get help if they do suffer from it later on.

Please visit http://postabortionstress.webs.com for more information on post abortion stress syndrome. Thanks x