Relationship Troubles After Abortion

Unwanted pregnancy and abortion can severely hamper a relationship. It is particularly difficult for the women, who have have to undergo both physical as well as mental trauma. In most cases abortion leads to anger, resentment and bitterness towards the partner who was not supportive of keeping the baby. Due to this, many relationships soon fall apart after the abortion while other relationships survive because both the partners are still bound together by the grief.

The most common relationship trouble after abortion is the loss of intimacy between the couple. Most women find it extremely difficult to get intimate with their partner again. The guilt and the shame play the major part in relationship troubles after abortion. It is not just women who go through this traumatic experience. Men can also be affected to a great extent. They also experience post-abortion problems like grief, helplessness, self-hatred, substance abuse and depression.

Abortion leads to an emotional baggage which both the partners carry for the rest of their lives. Here are some relationship troubles after abortion which affect the couple in subtle as well as dramatic ways:

Loss in Physical Intimacy: As discussed earlier, the common relationship trouble after abortion is the loss of intimacy between the couple. Researches have shown that women have an increased risk of sexual dysfunction after an abortion. They are more likely to stay away from physical intimacy after the trauma, which is sure to affect the relationship.

Insecurities: Another major relationship trouble after abortion is the emotional insecurity. This is especially applicable in case of women. Women can easily become insecure regarding the relationship with their spouse. The sense of guilt brings in the insecurity that their partner might leave them or be no longer interested in them.

Domestic Violence: The rate of abortion and that of domestic violence is directly proportional. Abortion, for both men and women, is associated with self-hatred and punishment which increases the tendency to act out of anger and rage towards the spouse.

Communication Difficulties: After an abortion it is more likely that the communication between the couple goes for a major toss. If the decision for the abortion was not mutual, then it raises a lot of questions about the future of the relationship. The parenting abilities of the partner, commitment, desire to have children in future, lifestyle etc. everything comes under a doubt which creates a huge communication gap between the couple.

Unless both the partners work together towards post-abortion healing, they are likely to remain trapped in these troubles for the rest of their lives.