Supporting someone going through a highly emotional and complex decision like abortion can be challenging. You may struggle to find the right words because you don’t want to misspeak.
If your friend or partner is going through an abortion, either before, during, or after, they need to know they aren’t alone.
At Care Net Pregnancy Centers of Albuquerque, we are committed to walking with women no matter what they choose. If your friend or partner is considering an abortion or if they are emotionally recovering after one, we can help them. Contact us today for more information.
Support Looks Different at Each Stage
How you support your loved one during an abortion depends heavily on the stage they’re in. Here are some tips to help as you navigate this situation.
While Considering an Abortion
An abortion is a serious decision. You can offer support by encouraging this person to consider every option available to them as well as understand the risks and side effects of abortion procedures.
It’s in your partner or friend’s best interest to decide only after she is fully informed and confident.
You will also want to encourage her to receive necessary health screenings like an ultrasound and STD testing to prevent any complications. We offer these services for no cost to women who qualify.
During an Abortion
If your friend or partner chooses an abortion, it may be a very emotional time. Women can feel a mix of emotions after an abortion, such as relief, loss, sadness, or guilt. The experience depends on the woman.
If she chooses medical abortion, she may be going through hours of abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, along with some other unpleasant side effects like pain. Be ready to listen to her and help with her immediate needs
Also, you can inform her of the warning signs of when she may need to visit the emergency room or her healthcare provider, such as soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours in a row. If anything goes wrong, it will be helpful for you to be ready to take her for medical treatment.
After an Abortion
It’s hard to predict how exactly your friend or partner will feel after an abortion, but your presence can help. Ask her to share her thoughts and feelings and be there for her.
If she says anything concerning that’s beyond the scope of how you can help her, encourage her to speak with a professional counselor or seek mental health support.
Our pregnancy centers also offer post-abortion care to help women heal emotionally after an abortion experience. It can be relieving for your friend or partner to speak with others who can understand what she’s going through.
We Can Help
Refer your friend or partner to Care Net Pregnancy Centers of Albuquerque. If she’s looking to protect her health and safety before an abortion or recover emotionally after an abortion, our professional team is trained and ready to help her with free and confidential services.
You are welcome to come with her to her appointment. Your support is more important than ever.
Care Net Pregnancy Centers does not refer for or provide abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.