Forbidden Grief: The Unspoken Pain of Abortion

It’s time to move beyond the politics of abortion. It's time to listen to the needs of those who are struggling with trauma, depression, grief, pain or other problems after abortion. It's time to break down the social taboos that stifle discussion of abortion-related feelings.Forbidden Griefis a haunting review of Dr. Theresa Burke’s experience in counseling hundreds of women for abortion-related emotional problems. She discusses the pressure and coercion faced by many women before abortion, the ordeal of the abortion itself and the obstacles in the way of resolving and healing from the experience. She also reviews the full range and depth of post-abortion adjustment problems, and illustrates how we can create a more understanding and healing society where women will no longer be required to hide their pain. If you know someone who has had abortion,Forbidden Griefwill help you to better understand, listen, and help those you love. If you have had an abortion,Forbidden Griefis a great resource to see that you are not alone, to gain insight into your own experience, and guidance on healing.Learn about the pain and trauma that is often revealed only to a therapist, but that everyone should understand.Understand how unwanted and/or traumatic abortion experiences can be reenacted through repeat pregnancies, multiple abortions, substance abuse, eating disorders, and broken relationships.Discover how to help loved ones — or yourself — take take steps toward healing after abortion.Psychotherapist Theresa Burke, Ph.D., has specialized in treating women struggling with post-abortion issues through individual counseling and group therapy sessions since 1986. Many of the women she treated had been rebuffed by other therapists who would not believe their abortions had caused such trauma. Others came to her because their family and friends refused to acknowledge the reality of their pain and grief. InForbidden Grief, Dr. Burke explores the cultural and psychological obstacles to post-abortion healing. She examines why friends