POST ABORTION

How Are You?
If you are reading this web page, chances are you are considering or have had an abortion. Whether your abortion occurred today, yesterday or will happen tomorrow, and whether your decision was easy or difficult, it is possible to find support. We hope this information will be useful in helping you find what you need.

Abortion is a common experience for women and girls, worldwide.
You are not alone in your experience. Lots of women have abortions: women of all races, religious beliefs and sexual orientations and a wide range of ages, education and income. Abortion is one of the most commonly performed gynecological procedures in the United State, where about 1.3 million abortions are performed annually. Women have abortions for a number of different reasons and, while many women's reasons are similar, each person's experience is unique.

Did You Know?
› Over 1/3 of women in the U.S. will have an abortion by age 45.

› Women of all ages, races, economic backgrounds, and religious beliefs have abortions.

› Over 1 million abortions occur in the United States every year.

› The lifetime average is about 1 abortion per woman, worldwide.

YOUR FEELINGS ARE NORMAL
You may experience a range of feelings after an abortion; this is entirely normal. Women often experience feelings such as sadness, happiness, empowerment, anxiety, grief, relief and/or guilt. There is no "right" way to feel. Feelings are different for everyone and they often change over time. We know your abortion can be hard to talk about and that finding the right person to talk to can be even harder.

WHY IS ABORTION SO HARD TO TALK ABOUT?
Although abortion is a simple medical procedure, the political, religious and cutural beliefs that surround it can be complex. This can make it difficult for many people to talk about their personal experiences with friends and family. Talking to someone you can trust can help you feel less isolated.

Take care of yourself.
If you have just had an abortion, it's important to remember to take care of yourself, physically and emotionally, after the procedure is over. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat complete meals and do things you enjoy, like going to the movies, spending time with your friends or just simply taking a walk. Calling Exhale can be part of how you take care of yourself. Be sure to read and follow all the After Care Instructions from your abortion provider.

If some time has passed since your abortion, it's never too late to find a way to express your feelings or talk to someone who will listen. Many women have found that writing about their experience, whether in a journal or as a letter, a helpful tool for working through their emotions. Calling the Exhale talk line, praying, cooking, making art, adopting a pet or climbing a mountain have been known to work as well. What is important is that you find something that works for you, and that fits your life, beliefs and needs.

Exhale is here to listen.

Exhale offers a FREE, national talk line that provides emotional support, resources and information. All calls are completely CONFIDENTIAL and counselors are non-judgemental. The service is available in additional languages, including Spanish.

The Exhale talk line is available to women and girls who have had abortions, and to their partners, friends, allies and family members.Women may call the day after their abortion, a month after or years later.

Call Exhale to talk freely about your experience with abortion. 1-866-4-EXHALE (1-866-439-4253). Monday through Friday 5 PM to 10 PM P.S.T. and Saturday through Sunday 12 PM to 10 PM P.S.T. Go here for more information: www.4exhale.org