If you’ve had an abortion, you likely went through pre-abortion counseling. It may have seemed like a pointless formality at the time, especially if you were already committed to getting an abortion. If you’re currently facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion, you may be wondering what to expect from an abortion counseling session.
In this blog, we’re going to explore the importance of abortion counseling and after-abortion support. Keep reading to learn more!
What is Abortion Counseling?
Abortion counseling is required in some states before a woman can receive an abortion. It usually involves informing a woman of all of her pregnancy options prior to having an abortion. In addition to counseling, some states require that a woman receive an ultrasound and wait at least 24 hours before having an abortion to consider all of her options.
Currently, abortion is illegal in Alabama, though exceptions can be made for medical emergencies.1 Women are also required to receive counseling and an ultrasound before an abortion.
Why is Abortion Counseling Important?
Abortion counseling is an important opportunity to explore all of your pregnancy options, so you can make a fully informed decision. Ultrasounds are especially helpful, as they determine gestational age (how far along you are) and viability.
It’s important to know how far along you are, as the abortion pill is only FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks from your last menstrual period.2
A viable pregnancy means that the pregnancy is progressing properly. For example, at about 6 ½ – 7 weeks gestation, the embryo should have a detectable heartbeat.3 The goal is to rule out a nonviable pregnancy, such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy—in either case, abortion isn’t the appropriate treatment.
If you find out that you’re experiencing either through an abortion counseling appointment, you can move forward with the appropriate medical care.
Why Join a Support Group After an Abortion?
After-abortion support is just as important as pre-abortion counseling. For some women, abortion can be a shocking and painful experience. They may find it hard to talk about their feelings due to fear of being misunderstood or judged at their most vulnerable.
Sometimes, it helps to talk to people who truly understand what you’ve gone through. A support group is a great place to start!
Joining a support group after an abortion allows you to unpack all of the difficult emotions you’ve been carrying and find healing from your abortion experience in a loving, compassionate environment. Participants in our programs have shared how beneficial it is to attend small groups and treasure their time with others who have walked the same path as them.
Ready to join one of our support groups? Click here to get started!
After-Abortion Support Groups in Alabama and Online
At Abortion Recovery Alabama, we understand the toll abortion takes on your life. Our small groups are led by women who have been there. They have walked your same path; they can relate. We offer a safe space to talk about your experiences without judgment and shame—because no one should have to walk this road alone.
You deserve to find peace and healing. Contact us to learn more about our after-abortion support groups! Give us a call at (205) 894-2868 to get started.
A kindhearted facilitator will call you and tell you more so that you can move toward freedom. Support groups are located in various locations in Alabama. You can also participate virtually.
Please be aware that Abortion Recovery Alabama does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Frequently Asked Questions: Alabama’s Abortion Ban. Alabama Policy Institute. (2022, June 24). Retrieved from https://alabamapolicy.org/2022/06/24/abortionfaq/
- FDA. (2023, September 1). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
- Fetal Development. Cleveland Clinic. (2023, March 3). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7247-fetal-development-stages-of-growth