@ShadowRanger Another key factor is immediate nurture post birth. If a baby isn't immediately shown love and care after birth, but instead subjected to discomfort, this can be traumatizing as well. There is a very good reason that many people recommend "skin to skin" cuddling as soon as possible. If a baby is in a situation of abandonment, or even perceived abandonment (such as being given care in harsh light, with harsh chemicals, away from a mother figure), this can further any possible trauma. Here's a good read: homesweethomebirth.com/blog/birth-trauma-in-babies

@ShadowRanger More evidence is coming to light that even a mom's stress levels (which could understandably be higher during an abortion attempt) can be communicated to the baby in the womb. This, combined with being scalded by toxic chemicals, can be very traumatizing for a baby. Babies are very sensitive, but as yet unable to fully process what all their emotions mean.

@ShadowRanger That's a very good point, thank you. I totally get what you mean! But if you read about abortion, it's likely more traumatizing than a C-Section. For example, in Melissa Ohden's case, she was a failed Saline Abortion. In this process, a toxic solution is injected into the amniotic fluid and is meant to scald the baby to death. This can take up to 72 hours. Melissa miraculously survived, as a nurse took pity on her when she saw she was alive after being delivered.

Also, I'm afraid you're only assuming my character is a pro-life crusader. I have never specified that. I think I should add that it's not necessary for my character to have PTSD like symptoms. I was researching the possibility, just as a way of adding depth. I should have made this more clear in my question, and I'll edit my question to include that info :-)

Well, I understand where you're coming from. Thanks for the input. Charles Dickens, Alexander Dumas, Harriet Beecher Stowe -- all were fine with addressing societal issues. I think writers should not shy away from them. I'll try to be accurate, and to do what's best for the story :-)

It seems trauma at childbirth and in infancy can possibly affect us more than I'd thought. Here are some interesting reads (not necessarily peer reviewed studies of course...but it's important to take many different angles into consideration):lorricraig.com/psychologist/general-psycholog‌​y/… and rebekahsprings.com/new-blog/trauma-in-infancy

@Otkin, I understand what you're saying...but think that this answer was still very helpful. The study of mice was relevant, as was the prenatal study, in regards to my question. This answer also helped me figure out what sort of questions to research...and I've found asking the right questions is half the battle haha!

Thank you, @Clair! I certainly appreciate you input. You're right, the brain is very complex...and I think there's much we are still learning about it.

Thank you for your input :-)