Listen. Allow her to tell her story without the interruption of a battery of questions. Actively listen to hear what is driving her decision. How is she feeling about an abortion decision? What does she know about abortion?
Acknowledge. What is she feeling? Whatever she feels, don’t try to talk her out of her feelings or discount them. Has she shared she’s scared? Is she overwhelmed? Is she feeling pressured? If so, by what? Who? Whatever she is feeling is real to her and should be validated.
Encourage. Affirm her intellect and ability to make an intelligent decision. Encourage her to educate herself and explore all her options with professionals who can provide multiple options from which she can make a choice.
Confirm. Encourage her to confirm her pregnancy with a medical professional who is not in abortion sales. It is important for a woman to verify she has a viable pregnancy that is developing within the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies cannot be detected through a pregnancy test, only through a diagnostic ultrasound (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ectopic-pregnancy/symptoms-causes/syc-20372088). Resources are available for free pregnancy testing and ultrasound. contact@womantowomanhealthcenter.org
Empower. 1) Help her find a pregnancy options consultant. Many provide pregnancy confirmation and ultrasound as part of their services. The consultant should educate regarding multiple pregnancy options and provide referrals and resources for pregnancy support or abortion recovery. 2) Give her a list of questions to ask an abortion provider. What procedures do they offer? Is a medical history taken and physical exam provided to ensure she is a candidate for a safe procedure with minimal complications? Do they provide screening for STDs prior to the pregnancy termination? In what hospital does the abortion provider have admitting privileges if needed due to termination complications? 3) Read “A Woman’s Right to Know” published Texas Health and Human Services: https://hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/services/health/women-children/womans-right-to-know.pdf
Support. 1) Help her find a pregnancy support system if she decides to carry her pregnancy to term. Pregnancy is a challenge, particularly when unexpected. But with a support system of friends, family, and caring professionals, it can be a rewarding experience for any woman. Contact@womantowomanhealthcenter.com
2) Make sure she has a support group to help her through the physical and emotional recovery from her abortion. Free Post-Abortion recovery groups are available. She may want to contact one prior to her procedure to learn about their recovery support. No woman should go through an abortion procedure alone. https://someonecaresdfw.org/

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