If someone close to you is considering an abortion, there are many ways to support. You may be unsure of exactly how to help, but just being there can make a big difference.
With this blog, we want to share five tips to help you navigate this moment with your friend or partner, and offer support and reassurance.
The final decision to end or continue with a pregnancy lies with the pregnant person themselves. But many pregnant people are helped through the experience by having someone close to them, to talk to and share their thoughts and feelings with.
You can also offer practical support, such as coming with them to appointments, going through the abortion information together, reminding them about questions they might want to ask, and supporting them with aftercare.
How to talk to someone who is sharing their abortion experience with you
Open and honest conversations about abortion can help women and pregnant people feel informed, educated and supported when it comes to making their own choices about their bodies and futures. The wall of silence that surrounds abortion increases stigma, making open, transparent conversations more important than ever.
Here are 5 top tips to support someone considering an abortion:
1. Create space and don’t be judgemental
Sharing an abortion experience can be nerve-wracking. If there is someone in your life who feels comfortable enough to talk to you about their experience, allow them to share their thoughts and feelings freely.
2. Have open and honest conversations
Open and honest conversations about abortion help women and pregnant people feel informed, educated and supported when it comes to making their own choices about their own bodies. Let your friend or relative share their hopes, fears or worries with you.
3. Try not to offer advice that hasn’t been asked for
Abortion is a very individual experience. Some people feel fine whereas others may feel confusion or sadness. Don’t try to tell the person who is sharing their experience what to think, do, feel or how to act. It’s hard to understand what they’re going through and what works for one person might not work for someone else
4. Offer to attend an appointment with them
Some people may prefer to attend appointments by themselves but offering to go with your friend or relative shows that you support their choices and lets them know that they aren’t alone, even if they decline.
Our clients can attend their appointment with one adult; however they will need to wait in the waiting area during your appointment.
5. Respect their privacy
Abortion is not something to be ashamed of, but it is important to respect people’s privacy and keep the information they have told you to yourself. It is up to them when, how, and if they choose to talk about their experience.
To know more
It may be a stressful time for you too, and it can help to know what’s involved before, during and after an abortion, so you know what to expect. Read more about advice for partners, family and friends at this link.
You can always contact our advice line on the numbers below if you’d like to talk things through, or get more information for yourself. You can also live chat with our service advisors, they’ll be able to help.
- England, Scotland and Wales: 03453008090
- Northern Ireland: 03332342184
- Republic of Ireland: 1800849091
- International: +44(0)1454457542
