Abortion Grief Australia Inc.

National Leading Authority on Abortion Trauma

Abortion grief/trauma is an emerging mental health issue which is presenting at almost every level of our health and welfare services, but for reasons both political and related to the trauma itself, it is not being recognized.

Abortion Grief Australia (AGA) is the only organization in Australia committed to addressing the issue of abortion trauma in a manner that recognizes the seriousness and the magnitude of the problem.

Founded in 1984¹ by Registered Nurse Dawn Dureau, AGA is a not for profit organization providing specialized care and advocacy for those experiencing abortion grief and pregnancy crisis.

Since 1990, AGA has run a National Crisis Line which is utilized equally as much for pregnancy crisis as abortion grief. A fifth of the crisis calls are from men. Further, a significant number of callers are from health professionals, unable to access information on abortion trauma through their own peer sources.

From its inception, AGA has focused on professional development. Evaluations from presentations across Australia, at public/private hospitals, community health and welfare centres, universities and to professional non-health associations, consistently indicate our work is most welcomed by those with direct patient contact.

Building on our ongoing consultation within the health care community, AGA has assisted prominent health professionals and community service organizations to develop their expertise in the field of abortion trauma.

However, without community support the effectiveness of early intervention and therapy programs will be limited.

Through developing diverse partnerships and initiatives, AGA is working to promote community awareness of the needs of those traumatized by abortion and of pregnant women and their families in difficult social circumstances.

AGA’s holistic approach is increasingly attracting expertise from organizations and professionals of all backgrounds to better serve the needs of women, men and families traumatized by abortion and ultimately community wellbeing.

 

¹ Originally known as Women Hurt By Abortion then Abortion Grief Counselling Association, AGA was set up by Dawn Dureau following a visit to Australia by Nancyjo Mann, founder of Women Exploited by Abortion in America.