Reconsidering a “Woman’s Issue:” Psychotherapy and One Man’s Postabortion Experiences

The issue of abortion typically has been categorized as a “women’s issue.” However, males whose partners choose to terminate a pregnancy are also affected by the abortion decision. This paper, using the case of Mr. R. as an illustration, explores one man’s psychological reactions to his partner’s abortion. The paper considers how news of an elective abortion, particularly when it is revealed months after the fact, can again bring to the surface childhood feelings of voicelessness and worthlessness. It offers suggestions as to how these feelings can be addressed in psychotherapy. By exploring verbal and nonverbal cues, therapists can generate ways of addressing postabortion reactions in psychotherapy with men.