Moral Injury After Abortion: Exploring the Psychospiritual Impact on Catholic Women

Moral Injury After Abortion explores the psychospiritual responses of women who have abortions that conflict with their moral beliefs, based on a qualitative study of 30 Christian women. It offers insights into the impact of moral injury and provides strategies for assessment and treatment.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Moral Injury After Abortion is a profound exploration of the psychospiritual reactions that some women encounter when an abortive act contradicts their moral convictions and values. This book is rooted in a qualitative, phenomenological study that delved into the lived experiences of thirty Christian women who had undergone abortions. The voices of the study participants are intricately woven throughout the book, creating a narrative that offers the reader a vivid understanding of their experiences and a comprehensive portrayal of the psychospiritual consequences of moral injury after abortion. Furthermore, the book serves as a valuable resource for mental health scholars and professionals, providing insights into the assessment of moral injury experiences among women post-abortion and offering guidance on addressing the spiritual and psychological ramifications of post-abortive moral injury.

Moral Injury After Abortion is a profound exploration of the psychospiritual reactions that some women encounter when an abortive act contradicts their moral convictions and values.

This book is rooted in a qualitative, phenomenological study that delved into the lived experiences of thirty Christian women who had undergone abortions. The voices of the study participants are intricately woven throughout the book, creating a narrative that offers the reader a vivid understanding of their experiences and a comprehensive portrayal of the psychospiritual consequences of moral injury after abortion. Furthermore, the book serves as a valuable resource for mental health scholars and professionals, providing insights into the assessment of moral injury experiences among women post-abortion and offering guidance on addressing the spiritual and psychological ramifications of post-abortive moral injury.

The study participants in this research were selected based on their willingness to share their personal stories and experiences related to abortion. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with each participant, allowing them to express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions in their own words. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, ensuring that the participants' voices were accurately captured.

The findings of the study revealed that moral injury after abortion is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that affects women in various ways. The women described a range of psychospiritual responses, including feelings of guilt, shame, and regret, as well as a loss of faith and a sense of purpose. They also reported experiencing physical symptoms such as pain, bleeding, and fatigue, which were often attributed to their emotional distress.

One of the key themes that emerged from the study was the impact of religious beliefs and values on the psychospiritual responses of women after abortion. Many of the women described feeling a deep sense of conflict and dissonance between their religious beliefs and their decision to have an abortion. They reported feeling torn between their desire to follow their religious teachings and their own personal needs and desires.

Another important finding was the role of social support in mitigating the psychospiritual impact of moral injury after abortion. The women who had strong social networks and a supportive community were more likely to cope with their emotional distress and find meaning and purpose in their lives. They reported feeling less isolated and alone and more able to express their emotions and seek help when needed.

The study also highlighted the need for mental health professionals to be aware of the psychospiritual consequences of moral injury after abortion and to provide appropriate support and treatment. The women reported a lack of access to mental health services and a lack of awareness of the emotional and psychological toll that abortion can take on a woman's life. They expressed a desire for more comprehensive and culturally sensitive care that addresses their spiritual and psychological needs as well as their physical health.

In conclusion, Moral Injury After Abortion is a groundbreaking study that provides valuable insights into the psychospiritual responses of women after abortion. The study's findings highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of moral injury and the need for mental health professionals to be aware of the emotional and psychological toll that abortion can take on a woman's life. The book offers a wealth of information and strategies for assessing and addressing moral injury experiences among women post-abortion, and it serves as a valuable resource for mental health scholars, professionals, and policymakers.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367442637