Abortion is often whispered about, if at all. In India, it can be wrapped in layers of silence, secrecy, and shame. Whether it was your decision or something you never wanted, abortion is rarely just a medical procedure. It can carry grief, relief, guilt, anger, or a dizzying mix of all four.
But the hardest part? You’re often expected to go back to “normal” the next day—as if your body didn’t just experience something deeply emotional and physical. As if your heart wasn’t involved at all.
At Paloma Care, we know better. And we know you deserve better.
“Did I Make the Right Choice?”: The Emotional Whiplash No One Prepares You For
Many women feel relief after an abortion—and that feeling is valid. It doesn’t make you cold or unfeeling. But relief doesn’t cancel out the possibility of grief, confusion, sadness, or even a sense of loss.
Even when an abortion is chosen, it’s not always simple. You might have felt clear in the moment but are now haunted by what ifs. Or maybe you never wanted this outcome, but felt like there was no other choice—financially, emotionally, or due to family pressure.
Maybe you’re mourning what could have been. Maybe you’re questioning what this means about your future, your worth, your body. And maybe, just maybe, you’re carrying all of this silently because you don’t feel allowed to speak it out loud.
Indian women, especially, often carry unspoken burdens:
- Cultural expectations that shame your autonomy
- Family silence or judgement, even if they supported the decision
- Religious or spiritual conflict, layered on top of grief
You’re told to “move on” quickly. But how can you, when your feelings don’t fit into a neat box? Even if your decision was clear, you might still find yourself:
- Feeling empty or detached in the days that follow
- Struggling with anger or unexpected guilt
- Avoiding places, people, or conversations related to pregnancy or babies
- Wondering if your feelings are “normal” or if something is wrong with you
Let’s be clear: nothing is wrong with you.
Emotional swings after abortion are real. Hormonal shifts, personal values, cultural expectations—they all collide in this one moment. And because few people talk about it, you’re left holding it all alone.
Why the Silence Hurts So Much
In India, abortion is often hidden even from close friends or family. Whether due to fear of judgment, gossip, or misunderstanding, the decision to stay silent can isolate you when you most need care.
You may hear:
- “Just forget it and move on.”
- “At least it wasn’t later in pregnancy.”
- “You’re lucky you had the choice.”
None of those words honor the complex truth of your experience. They shut it down.
How Suppressed Emotions After Abortion Show Up Later
Many women try to shut down their feelings because of the stigma around abortion and get back to everyday life. But the body doesn’t forget.
Unprocessed abortion grief can emerge as:
- Anxiety, especially around intimacy or fertility
- Depression or emotional numbness
- Overcompensation (being overly productive, cheerful, or detached)
- Avoidance of medical appointments or anything related to reproductive health
This isn’t a weakness. This is your body asking to be witnessed. Your emotions asking to be metabolized.
You Deserve a Place to Grieve, Reflect, and Be Heard
At Paloma Care, we work with women who’ve had both surgical and medical abortions – whether recent or years ago. We hold space for all parts of your story—the practical, the emotional, the spiritual. Whether you feel sadness, clarity, numbness, or regret, all of it belongs.
Our counselors work with:
- Women who chose abortion and feel at peace—but still want to process
- Women who feel torn or unsettled even months or years later
- Women who carry guilt, anger, or shame and don’t know what to do with it
This is not about whether your choice was “right.” It’s about how you feel now, and what kind of care you need to move forward.
We create space for:
- Processing difficult emotions like guilt, relief, rage, or grief
- Reclaiming your body, especially if you feel violated or numb
- Rebuilding a relationship with your own intuition and choices
- Making peace with the complexity of your experience—without being told how to feel
Abortion isn’t a moral failing. It’s a lived experience. And your story deserves to be heard in full.
You Are Not Alone in This
If you’re sitting with unspoken feelings after an abortion, you’re not broken. You don’t need to hide. And you absolutely deserve support. You don’t have to carry this in silence. Whether you need to talk it through, cry it out, or just sit with someone who gets it—we’re here.
Paloma Care offers confidential, judgment-free therapy by trauma-informed counselors and therapists who understand the cultural, emotional, and physical layers of abortion in India.
Book a safe, private session with one of our compassionate mental health professionals today.
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