Ideology causes the worst kind of blindness and too frequently the Drive-By Media is completely blind and in denial. This was evident in both a Seattle PI article and follow-up editorial on post-abortion syndrome. Valerie L. Call Jacobs, Coordinator, Project Rachel quoted in the original story responded to the editorial with a letter to the editor. As I have said before, abortion doesn't empower women it destroys them. Since I have yet to see her letter printed, I present it here:
To those working in the field of post-abortion healing, questioning the existence of post-abortion syndrome (PAS) is absurd. Just so, other significant conditions (not a disease) suffered periods of social denial. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) went unrecognized for decades and was undefined in diagnostic manuals; veterans suffering from symptoms were described as weak men. Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) was also dismissed. After all, we know women are emotional and a bit crazy. Only recently are we treating the grief of miscarriage with empathy, allowing space for a process of resolution. In each case, society moved from dismissal, and even ridicule, to acknowledgement and empathy.
Fortunately, the tide is turning with regard to PAS, as evidenced by a recent scientific study by Dr. David Fergusson (Journal of Child Psychiatry and Psychology, January 2006), one of many current scientific studies of PAS. Philosophically pro-choice, Dr. Fergusson found that women who had an abortion had elevated rates of depression, anxiety, suicidal behaviors and substance abuse, unrelated to prior mental health history.
This study validates what we have witnessed for 30 years, as we have listened to the stories of women of all faiths, and no faith. It is ironic and unfortunate that women experiencing crisis, trauma and grief in relation to their abortions continue to be dismissed by others – especially by other women. This tyranny of ridicule suppresses resolution of grief and prevents healing.
Women and men, of any faith or no faith, who come through Rachel's Vineyard retreats receive unconditional compassion and love.
Valerie L. Call Jacobs, MA
Coordinator, Project Rachel
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