Advice for partners, family and friends

MSI Reproductive Choices UK 20230605_0439

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Supporting someone accessing abortion care

If someone close to you is considering or having an abortion, there are many ways to offer your support.

Whether you’re a partner, family member or friend, you can be there to listen, support and offer reassurance to someone accessing abortion services. On this page, we share our top tips on how to support someone during this time.

The decision to end a pregnancy lies with the person accessing care, but many people are helped through their experience by someone close to them, to talk to and share their thoughts and feelings with.

You can also offer practical support, such as going through abortion information together, reminding them about questions they might want to ask a healthcare professional, and supporting them after their treatment.

How to support someone accessing abortion care

If someone close to you is considering or having an abortion, there are many ways you can show your support. You may be unsure of exactly how to help, but just being there can make a big difference. Find our top tips on how to support someone accessing abortion care below. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

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.

Support them following their treatment

One practical way you can support someone accessing abortion care is to help them following their treatment. For example, you might want to ask your friend, partner or family member if they’d like someone to stay with them for a few hours following their treatment, or be there for them when they take the abortion pills (if they are accessing at-home abortion care).

You can find more information about abortion aftercare here: abortion aftercare and recovery.

Talking about abortion in a non-stigmatising way

The way we talk about abortion is important. Often, misconceptions surrounding abortion can be furthered by the language we use, and considering the way we talk about abortion can help to reduce stigma.

Click on the button to find a useful guide from the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) on how to talk about abortion in a non-stigmatising way.

HOW TO TALK ABOUT ABORTION