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For more than thirty years, our nation has argued about abortion. In that time, over twenty-five million women have had one or more abortions. These conflicts reflect the ambivalence and psychological discord which also occur within individuals. Even women who chose abortion for the most compelling reasons often face a daily internal battle between defending and condemning themselves. While the political battle rages, little has been done to address the emotional needs of those who struggle with feelings of grief, shame, guilt, feeling judged by others--and more. Instead, social taboos have been erected that stifle discussion of abortion-related feelings. Women are left feeling isolated and their recovery is inhibited. Psychotherapist Theresa Burke , Ph.D., has treated more than 2,000 women struggling with post-abortion pain. Many had been rebuffed by other therapists who would not believe their abortions had caused such trauma. Others came to her because their family and friends refused to acknowledge the reality of their grief. In Forbidden Grief, Dr. Burke explores the cultural and psychological obstacles to post-abortion healing. She examines why friends and families erect walls of silence around a loved one's grief and reveals how we can and should listen to those who are struggling with past abortions. Drawing on the experience and insights of hundreds of her clients, Dr. Burke also shows how repressed feelings may be acted out through self-destructive behavior, broken