When your authors wrote Handbook on Abortion in 1971, there were a few murmurings about post-abortion problems, but little was known. We then saw the negatives as mostly physical. With the publication of this book, far more is known about what is now called Post Abortion Syndrome which clearly is a post traumatic stress syndrome. This type of problem was first seen in large numbers in Vietnam veterans, but did not manifest it-self until a decade after they returned. The same ten- year delay has been evident with abortion.
Many women are very ambivalent about getting aborted but do go ahead.
For some this works successfully. For others it shades off to manageable distress, to severe and life-changing upset and even to suicide. Her initial response in most cases is a feeling of relief. But then, for some, the negative feelings bubble up and break through. She finds out she is sterile, or other life-changing events.