It goes without saying that most of us would help our friends in their time of need. After all, that’s what friends are for, right? However, there are often situations when your heart is in the right place, but you don’t know how to help. For instance, if a friend is having an abortion, you might not know how to support them. In this blog, we’ll flesh out some very practical tips to help you help your friend. As they say, knowledge is power and the first step to action. So let’s begin learning.
How Can You Emotionally Support a Friend Having an Abortion?
- Emotional support: listen without judgment and validate their feelings.
- Accompany them: drive them to appointments and provide reassurance.
- Household help: assist with chores, grocery shopping, or childcare.
- Prepare meals: provide nutritious food for recovery.
- Offer financial support: help cover medical expenses if needed.
- Check in: follow up regularly and be available for conversations.
Where Can You Find Abortion Support Resources for a Friend?
Help your friend find clinics, pharmacies, local support groups, counseling services, or post-abortion care resources. Look for feminist, pro-choice, and reputable organizations.
Offer to make initial inquiries on their behalf if they feel overwhelmed.
Should I Go With My Friend to Their Abortion Appointment?
Offer to drive your friend on the day of their procedure if they are having a surgical abortion. Sit with them while they wait and offer reassurance. If allowed, accompany them into the clinic or hospital as a supportive presence.
Stay until your friend is ready to leave.
How Can You Help a Friend With Childcare or Pets After an Abortion?
If your friend has children or pets:
- offer to look after them during their appointments or recovery,
- arrange to pick up children from school or daycare,
- take them to activities, and
- care for their pets.
What Are the Best Meals to Prepare for a Friend Recovering from an Abortion?
Prepare dishes that are easy to heat up and store, ensuring they are nutritionally balanced to support their physical well-being.
If cooking isn’t your forte, arrange for meal-delivery services or purchase pre-prepared meals.
Create a Comfortable Space
If your friend needs a quiet and comfortable space to recover (or even to go through the abortion procedure), offer your home as a sanctuary or help set up their space for comfort. Provide soft blankets and pillows and create a soothing environment with calming music, books, or movies.
Offer Distractions
Light-hearted activities such as watching movies, going for walks, or visiting local attractions can offer a welcome distraction. Respect their preferences.
Stock up on Aftercare Supplies
Stock up on pads, pain relievers, heating pads, and any other items your friend may need during the recovery period.
How to Help a Friend Follow Post-Abortion Medical Instructions:
After the procedure:
- ensure your friend understands any post-procedure instructions provided by their health-care provider;
- help organize medications;
- schedule follow-up appointments;
- adhere to any prescribed guidelines for recovery;
- be available for emergencies or any unexpected complications or concerns; and
- respond promptly to their communications.
FAQs
Q: How do you emotionally support a friend having an abortion?
A: Listen without judgment, validate their feelings, and offer reassurance. Be available for conversations, check in on them regularly, and respect their privacy.
Q: What practical ways can I help a friend during their abortion?
A: You can drive them to appointments, provide meals, help with childcare or pet care, and assist with household chores to ease their recovery.
Q: What aftercare supplies should I get for a friend recovering from an abortion?
A: Essential aftercare supplies include pads, pain relievers, heating pads, nutritious meals, and comfortable items like blankets and pillows.
More information
We have compiled these practical tips so you can help your friend who’s having an abortion. If you would like to get information for your friend, check out our website safe2choose.org. Here you will find scientific information about safe medical and surgical abortions – an abortion with pills and a manual vacuum aspiration abortion – within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy.
safe2choose is a social enterprise working to make safe abortion accessible to everyone around the world. We do this by providing accurate information as well as counseling support in multiple languages. When needed, we also connect people to their nearest trusted health-care provider.