5 tips to support someone having an abortion
When someone tells you they are having an abortion, it can be a sign that they trust you. How you respond matters.
You do not need to have the perfect words or know exactly what to do. The most important thing you can offer is trust, respect and support.
- Listen without judgement
Give them space to share as much or as little as they want. Avoid asking them to justify their decision or assuming how they must feel. Every abortion experience is different, and feelings can range from relief to sadness, certainty, uncertainty, or a mix of emotions.
- Follow their lead
Ask what support would be helpful rather than deciding for them. They may want to talk, or they may prefer privacy. They might need practical help, emotional reassurance, or simply someone who will treat them exactly as they did before.
- Offer practical support
Small actions can make a real difference. You could offer to drive them to an appointment, help with childcare, bring them a meal, accompany them if they would like company, or check in afterwards.
- Educate yourself
You don’t need to be an expert, but learning the basics about abortion care can help you show up with compassion. It also helps avoid spreading myths or unintentionally causing harm.
- Respect their privacy
An abortion is personal healthcare information. Let them decide who knows and when. Do not share their experience with others without their permission.
Above all, trust that they are the expert in their own life. It is their body. Their choice. Their timeline.
Around the world, stigma and misinformation can make accessing abortion care more difficult and isolating. Across the globe, MSI teams provide accurate information, compassionate care and support without judgement, so more people can make decisions about their bodies and futures safely and with dignity.
By responding with kindness and trust, each of us can help create a world where reproductive choice is understood, respected and supported
