[Awareness of death and interpersonal relations in induced abortion]

So far no research has been carried out into the way in which women come to terms with abortion. There are four levels of experience. First, normal psychological experience, with feelings of guilt, reproach, stability, indifference; deeper awareness is suppressed with the aid of forms of defense such as scientific objectivism, positivism, and reductionism. This level is sociopsychologically well documented. Second, breakthrough of destructive deep awareness, with chaos and panic, revulsion and hate-this level is being researched by psychoanalytic methods. Third, acceptance of existential reality, experiencing guilt at having been party to killing a child. Fourth, responsibility and a feeling of guilt toward the dead child; it is here that the interhuman relationship is fulfilled, because the mental image of the child becomes like and independent being. Only at this point does full awareness of death occur. "He who knows the invisible, which has no material substance, but nevertheless an effect, is a physician."