I think that she was trying to make up for her past abortion (previous relationship) and would not admit that it affected her as much as it did.
Hi Tested Metal,
Now that is very interesting. As a teenager my W was in a relationship with someone she liked, he was not as keen. She got pregnant as a teenager and had an abortion. She gave me some BS reason about the reasons, but I now feel this was her way of trying to seal the deal with him. Of course it all went horribly wrong in true PA fashion and caused lots of family friction.
I too feel she has unresolved issues over this. Certainly my own views on abortion have changed after having children. Three and a half years ago she said 'I often think about that little baby..'
A quick internet search brought up the following: 'When a woman or adolescent girl has been coerced into having an abortion, typical reactions include feelings of betrayal (by partners or family members), anger, depression, sadness, and breakdown of trust and intimacy in relationships.'
'"Suppressed mourning" has very negative outcomes, often leading to feelings of numbness and/or hostility and anger, and to difficulties in forming future relationships and in bonding with later-born children.'
Interesting background but not a lot you can do to help them cope if they see themselves as perfect individuals and refuse to seek professional help.
