Know Right to Know
A leading authority on abortion trauma.
Mental illness is only one part of abortion trauma. Abortion Trauma is a mental health issue presenting at almost every level of our community, health, and welfare services. For reasons both political and related to the trauma itself, abortion trauma is not formally recognized, acknowledged, understood, or explored as a causative factor impacting mental health outcomes including psychosocial disabilities.
The only organization in australia
Abortion Trauma Recovery (ATR) is the only organization in Australia committed to addressing the issue of abortion trauma in a manner that recognizes the seriousness and magnitude of the problem.
Specialized care for over 40 years
Founded in 1984 by a Registered Nurse who herself had experienced abortion, ATR continues to focus on activities integral in the support of healing, early intervention and prevention of abortion trauma.
Our Timeline
A History of Healing Hearts
1984
Women Exploited By Abortion (WEBA)
Founded by Nancyjo Mann (USA) to help and support post-abortive women share their abortion experience in a place of care, trust and non-judgement with the aim of achieving healing and peace. Nancyjo had a late-term abortion in 1973 and wrote her testimony, Aborted Women, Silent No More in 1987.
1995
Women Hurt By Abortion (WHBA)
Founded by Registered Nurse, Dawn Dureau (original founding member of WEBA Australia) and later directed by Sue Clifford. The name WEBA was changed to WHBA as women expressed that they felt not so much exploited, but that they were unaware and unprepared of the consequences of their abortion. Decisions often made in crisis leading to remorse, grief, and guilt. WHBA acknowledged and supported the tremendous courage of suffering post-abortive women speaking their truth, as an empowering path to hope and healing. ‘Their honesty makes me so proud to be associated with these women who have so much character!’ Dawn Dureau
2000
Abortion Grief Counselling Association (AGCA)
Founded by Registered Nurse Julie Cook (WHBA Liaison Officer). WHBA implied activities relating explicitly to women. However, as the demand for services increased, so too an increasing number of men were now seeking access to post-abortive grief support. The new name was an importance message in acknowledging abortion grief generally, as a grief not uncommon after an abortion event, while minimising the isolation of any affected members of the community.
2008
Abortion Grief Australia (AGA)
AGA was borne of an initiative by Julie Cook and Mary Boston. The overwhelming demand for post-abortive services and the prevalence of abortion-related mental health issues within the community, was now undeniably supported by published data. Community, health and welfare professional were reaching out for professional support and development in the area of abortion trauma they were witnessing. This required to be met with information, education and resources. At the time of AGA’s inception, a fifth of the calls to the national crisis line were from men.
2013
Men and Abortion Trauma
AGA established a national crisis line specifically for men suffering abortion trauma. Men are likely to cover up distresses, push it away and submerge it. They lose the pace of life and become disoriented. Without a pathway to work through inner conflicts, unexpressed feelings can become toxic. Anger is the most consistent and evident symptom of abortion trauma in men, but also feelings of guilt, abandonment and total despair are observed. Post-abortion services for men enable them the opportunity to resolve pain resulting from an abortion experience. AGA facilitated the Men and Relationships Forum (2016), specifically addressing the issue of men and abortion trauma.
2022
Abortion Trauma Recovery (ATR)
Founded by Mary Boston (AGA Committee). ATR is the culmination of 40 years’ experience working with professionals and the community in the field of abortion trauma. The long-term effects of abortion trauma, while continuing to be under-explored, is well documented. International research has increasingly linked abortion to suicide, substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and poor mental health outcomes for women. Minimal research exists for the effects of abortion trauma in men. Through activities aimed at improving awareness, recognition, and understanding of abortion trauma, ATR aims to support the healing and recovery of millions of sufferers worldwide.
2022
Right To Know (RTK)
Right To Know (RTK) provides advocacy for those suffering from abortion trauma and facilitates support to professionals at the forefront of service delivery in this social issue. RTK connects the suffering voice to the listening ear. Recognizing the impact abortion can have on mental health is essential to improving access to support mechanisms for pregnant women in crisis and therapies for those suffering. Acknowledging the cause and effect of abortion trauma is critical in facilitating the early intervention, healing, and prevention of abortion-related mental illness.
