Tips For Choosing Someone Who Will Accompany You To An Abortion Appointment

6 March 2018

Jaime Allen

When you schedule an abortion, the counselor who speaks to you will give you a list of ways that you can prepare for this procedure. This list isn't long, but it's important to closely follow the instruction. One thing that may appear on the list is to consider whether you can have someone accompany you to the procedure. He or she won't be allowed in your examination room, but can wait in the clinic's waiting area and can be valuable for driving you to and from the appointment and offering you emotional support at a time that you may feel vulnerable. Here are some tips for choosing the right person.

Someone Who Will Keep Your Secret

Most people don't want to publicize the fact that they've had an abortion; you may perhaps just choose one or two people to tell. When you're thinking about those who can accompany you to the appointment and offer support, you should find someone who will be discreet about it. Select a friend or family member who has shown an aptitude in the past for keeping secrets. You also want someone who continuously demonstrates good judgment — for example, someone who won't post on social media that he or she is at the clinic.

Someone Who Accepts Your Decision

Abortion can be a polarizing issue in some groups of people, which means that while many of your friends and family members will likely support your decision, there may be some people who do not. The person you choose to visit the clinic with you on the day of your appointment should be someone who accepts and supports the decision that you're making — not someone who may go along with you, but will take the opportunity to point out that he or she doesn't agree with your choice.

Someone Who Can Relate

It can also be ideal if you can find someone who can relate to your decision on a deep level. This could be someone who has had an abortion herself in the past. Even though many women keep this news a secret, you might be aware of someone based on what she has told you. Alternatively, you can look for someone who can relate to the reason that you're having the abortion. For example, perhaps your partner has been physically abusive since you got pregnant, and you have left him and do not wish to have his child. If you have a friend who once was in an abusive relationship, she will also likely understand you.

For additional advice, contact a clinic that offers medical abortions.

Share

Search