Women Reproductive Health Wellness

24/03/2023

Start with the basics and emphasize positive values.

Remind your friends and family that:

Abortion is health care and everybody deserves access to quality health care, no matter their age, race, gender identity, or economic status, immigration status, or where they live. Restrictions on abortion are racist and classist, and don’t reflect our values.

Abortion care is an important part of reproductive health care overall, just like birth control or fertility treatment. It is one of the most common and safe medical procedures and there should be no shame in getting whatever kind of health care you need.

Everybody has a right to choose if, when, or how to have a family. Politicians shouldn’t get to control us.

Nobody should have to explain or justify their reasons for having an abortion. Not wanting to be pregnant is a reason, period.

Shut down stigma and get back to the point.

To redirect a conversation, you can use phrases like:

“That’s a common misconception, but the truth is…”

“If you want to keep talking about this, you need to hear me when I say…”

“I appreciate you sharing. I want to make sure that you understand…”

Call people in when they say something hurtful or wrong.

Watch out for common mistakes. Be kind, but firm, when you explain why conditional support for abortion isn’t real support. Here’s what the conversation can look like

23/03/2023

Planning for Your Self-Managed Abortion

Be prepared, be safe, be comfortable!

Planning ahead
Your abortion pills are in your hand. You’ve got the information you need about taking them properly. Now it’s time to make a plan for being safe and comfortable while you use them.

Here are some things to include in your plan:

1. Decide when to take the pills. An abortion with pills involves hard cramping and heavy bleeding for several hours – so you probably want to plan for a day you don’t have to be out and about. If you can skip school or work, and find child care if necessary, do it. It’s also a good idea to use the medication at the start of the day, since that makes it easier to stay awake, alert, and aware of what’s happening throughout the process.
2. Find a comfortable place to spend the day. It should be a place where you can lie down when you want and get to the bathroom easily when you need to. If you live with people who might not be supportive, you could choose to explain why you’re in and out of the bathroom by saying you’re having a heavy period or food poisoning or a stomach bug. But if that doesn’t feel safe enough, you might decide to spend the day at a friend’s home or even in a hotel room instead.
3. Consider asking someone you trust to spend the day with you or be on call to come over if you decide you need them. That’s partly for your safety (although complications are very rare), but you might also just like having company.
4. Plan for cramps. Have ibuprofen or another painkiller on hand, and take a normal dose at the first twinge. A heating pad or hot water bottle on the belly or back can also be soothing.
5. Stock up on sanitary pads. You’re going to bleed, maybe a lot. Using pads helps you keep track of your bleeding and be sure it’s not too much.
6. Be prepared for normal side effects like nausea, diarrhea, or chills with over-the-counter anti-nausea drugs to settle your stomach, a sports drink or a big glass of water to keep you hydrated, and a blanket to keep you cozy.
7. Dress for the occasion. You’re going to be changing pads a lot, so you might want to wear leggings, sweats, a bathrobe, or something else that’s comfy and bathroom-friendly. On the other hand, if you feel like putting on your favorite outfit, do it up
8.Nourish yourself. Get your food and drink ready ahead of time, because you probably won’t feel like cooking or going to the store. You can eat anything you want during your abortion, with one big exception: don’t drink alcohol on the day of your abortion or for several days after. If you’re tipsy, you’ll have a harder time paying attention to what your body is doing and noticing anything that requires attention.
Don’t you love it when a plan comes together?

If you’ve still got questions, visit our website for lots of information and access to trained counselors.

23/03/2023

There is no bad time to let people know about the existence of abortion pills, but during the dense brick of time between Christmas and New Year's is particularly important. Why?

People are together. Regardless of whether or not you spend time with family or observe any holidays in December, the fact is that people are more likely to be accessible to one another in some way during this time, and you might end up seeing people who you normally wouldn't (for better or worse). If you're going to purse a conversation about abortion access, including self-managed abortion, here are some tips for doing so.

You never know what people are dealing with. Even if you're stuck eating a holiday meal with your uncle who voted for Trump (and who claims he'd do it again) it doesn't mean everyone is a lost cause. You don't have to start an argument during a meal, but finding ways to let people know that you support abortion access can help out those who might be afraid to speak up and ask questions, or admit they might need guidance or advice. Maybe it's your cousin who definitely can't talk to her parents about abortion, or your aunt whose co-worker has an unplanned pregnancy. You don't have to give the whole evening away - you can say something, or wear something, that reminds people that you're a safe person to come to.

Geography matters. Depending on where you're located, abortion may or may not be legal, and if it is legal, it's probably not accessible for everyone. With people gathered from different places, it's a good time to talk about what's going on in your state and in the country, and to assure people that we actually are not going back to the days of back alley abortions. We can manage our own abortions safely, in a place we choose, with the support we want.

You can be the connector between people who are feeling scared and alone and the information that can help them. For more on abortion pills, WhatsApp 0202600109

23/03/2023

02/03/2023

Proud to support pro choices
I have been working as an online abortion and reproductive health counselor for 8 years now. I rarely have a pleasure to look in the eye of the people I counsel. Sometimes I hear their voices, but usually what I see are letters they type to my screen.

Yet we manage to build a relationship.

Sometimes people ask me how it feels to communicate by email with people in need of reproductive health service? Does the written form limit the conversation, or does it actually make it easier? Can you support women without seeing them? Is it even safe?

Internet knows no borders and email seems to give an impression of certain anonymity. I have an incredible privilege to correspond with people from so many places in the world. I would never be able to meet them otherwise, and hear their stories. A lot has been written in the last years about undeniable added value of the online communication for health issues, especially for more difficult or stigmatised ones.

Some women write me asking for an advice what to do in their situation and expect me to suggest a solution.

But I am not an advisor. I am a counselor. It would not be fair to decide for you.

I might have more factual knowledge on the subject of reproductive health, but you, out there on the other side of the screen, have knowledge of yourself. I provide information in most comprehensive way I can and in relation to what you ask me and tell me, and I will support you, but I will not diagnose, I will not recommend what you should do. You make your own choices. There is no secret knowledge I have that anyhow positions me as the one with THE answer that can solve your dilemma. YOU have the answer. You really do.

At times you feel the urge to tell me how it happened that you are in this situation. You give me the reason why you have an unwanted pregnancy.

I listen and am grateful that you share with me. But I do not need to know. I will not write to you differently, there is no better more ethical reason than other. I will say though is that 1 in 3 women has an abortion in their lifetime, it is a common fact of our lives that we should embrace. Abortion is health care and your right, no matter why or how many times you need it.

As a counselor I try to frame my communication in a way that is responsive, supportive & non judgmental, clear & concise, medically accurate and empowering.

The empowerment is not in a moment of having found the best solution for you. It is not just a concrete, single event in time, it is rather the process of finding it and acting upon it. It surely was for me.

And lastly - the safety of medical abortion has been extensively proven, and you can read about it in the Questions and Answers section of Women Help Women website.

The follow-up model based on self-assessment is steadily used more and more for provision of early abortion with pills. Women call, text or email the personnel that support them in case of questions.

Can women determine the success of early medical termination of pregnancy themselves?

The short answer to the question in the title of the article is: yes, they can.

And they often prefer to do so, themselves.

I trust them.
Confidential &
Non-Judgemental Support for all Pregnancy Options
Children by Choice is a non-profit organisation, committed to providing evidence based information on all pregnancy options - abortion, adoption, alternative or kinship care and parenting.

Our pregnancy options counselling, information and referral service is Queensland-wide.

Is abortion the right option for me?
Abortion is common, and people have abortions for many different reasons. Only you know what’s best for you, but good information and support can help you make the decision that's best for your own health and well-being.


Decision Making
While for some women and pregnant people the decision of whether to proceed with a pregnancy or not might be a clear one, for others the process is more complicated. Whatever decision you make, it’s important that it sits as best it can with your own values and beliefs. You are the expert in your own life, and you know best which option is going to work for you.

What are my options?
With any pregnancy there are four choices to consider:

Abortion: This is a time-sensitive decision, and depending on how far along the pregnancy is, you may need to decide quickly if you want to have an abortion. The location and availability of having an abortion change as the gestation of a pregnancy increases. If you have an abortion at a private clinic the cost will also increase with the gestation.

Adoption: You may be thinking about continuing with the pregnancy and placing the child for adoption. An adoption order can only take place after the child is born.

Alternative or Kinship Care: Alternative and kinship care are forms of family-based care for children and young people who can’t live at home.

Parenting: Continuing with the pregnancy and choosing to parent is the option chosen by around half of women and pregnant people considering their pregnancy options.

Making a decision
If you’re having trouble making a decision, or you feel conflicted about your decision, you might find working through the information below helpful. You can also contact one of our counsellors at Children by Choice and talk it through with them
Why do people decide to have an abortion?
If you’re thinking about having an abortion, you’re not alone. Millions of people face unplanned pregnancies every year, and about 4 out of 10 of them decide to get an abortion. Some people with planned pregnancies also get abortions because of health or safety reasons. Overall, about 1 in 4 women in the U.S. will have an abortion by the time they’re 45 years old.

Sometimes, the decision is simple. Other times, it’s complicated. But either way, the decision to have an abortion is personal, and you’re the only one who can make it.

Everyone has their own unique and valid reasons for having an abortion. Some of the many different reasons people decide to end a pregnancy include:

They want to be the best parent possible to the kids they already have.
They’re not ready to be a parent yet.
It’s not a good time in their life to have a baby.
They want to finish school, focus on work, or achieve other goals before having a baby.
They’re not in a relationship with someone they want to have a baby with.
They’re in an abusive relationship or were s*xually assaulted.
The pregnancy is dangerous or bad for their health.
The fetus won’t survive the pregnancy or will suffer after birth.
They just don’t want to be a parent.
Deciding to have an abortion doesn’t mean you don’t want or love children. In fact, 6 out of 10 people who get abortions already have kids — and many of them decide to end their pregnancies so they can focus on the children they already have. And people who aren’t already parents when they get an abortion often go on to have a baby later, when they feel they're in a better position to be a good parent. The bottom line is, deciding if and when to have a baby is very personal, and only you know what’s best for you and your family.

What can I think about to help me decide?
Family, relationships, school, work, life goals, health, safety, and personal beliefs — people think carefully about these things before having an abortion. But you’re the only person walking in your shoes, and the only person who can decide whether to have an abortion.

Here are some things to consider if you are thinking about an abortion:

Am I ready to be a parent?
Would I consider adoption?
What would it mean for my future if I had a child now?
What would it mean for my family if I had a child now?
How would being a parent affect my career goals?
Do I have strong personal or religious beliefs about abortion?
Is anyone pressuring me to have or not have an abortion?
Would having a baby change my life in a way I do or don’t want?
Would having an abortion change my life in a way I do or don’t want?
What kind of support would I need and get if I decided to get an abortion?
What kind of support would I need and get if I decided to have a baby?
Decisions about your pregnancy are personal. There are lots of things to consider, and it’s totally normal to have many different feelings and thoughts when making this decision. That’s why it’s important to get factual, non-judgmental information about abortion. Support from family, friends, partners, and other people you trust can also be helpful. But the decision is 100% yours.

Who can I talk with about getting an abortion?
Lots of people lean on others to help them with their decision. It’s good to choose people who are understanding and supportive of you.

Your local Planned Parenthood health center has caring professionals that can answer any questions you may have. They'll give you expert care, accurate information about all your options, and non-judgmental support along the way — no matter what you decide about your pregnancy.

Other family planning centers and private doctors may also talk with you about your decision. But be careful when looking for a reliable health center, because there are fake clinics out there that claim to offer information about pregnancy options and abortion. They’re called Crisis Pregnancy Centers, and they’re run by people who don’t believe in giving you honest facts about abortion, pregnancy, and birth control. Crisis pregnancy centers are often located very close to Planned Parenthood health centers or other real medical centers, and have similar names — they do this to confuse people and trick them into visiting them instead.

No one should pressure you into making any decision about your pregnancy, no matter what. So it’s important to get the info and support you need from people who give you the real facts and won’t judge you.

If you’re having a hard time finding someone in your life to talk with, check out:

All-Options: All-Options has a free hotline that gives you a confidential space to talk about making decisions about a pregnancy. They’ll give you judgment-free support at any point in your pregnancy experience, no matter what you decide to do or how you feel about it.
Abortions Welcome: Abortions Welcome has nonjudgmental written and interactive resources to support you in making your decision, including a clergy counseling line, where you can talk to compassionate clergy and religious counselors about spiritual concerns.
When do I have to make a decision?
It’s important to take the time you need to make the best decision for you. It’s also a good idea to talk to a nurse or doctor as soon as you can so you can get the best medical care possible

Can I really do an abortion at home?
Millions of women around the world have done safe medical abortions at home.
You may have read a lot lately about the distribution of abortion pills for home use, and people pursuing “self-managed” abortion. Especially in the US, with new restrictions on abortion in almost every state in recent years, abortion is becoming less accessible. Thankfully, for many people self-managed abortion is a safe alternative.

Millions of women around the world have done safe medical abortions at home. This is the standard of care in countries that offers safe abortion services.

For safety, what is important is that women have access to the medicines and get accurate information on how to use the medicines, what to expect after taking the medicines, and how to identify signs of a possible complication. The process of medical abortion is similar to a miscarriage. When done in the first 12 weeks there are minimal risks. In the rare case of a complication, just like with a miscarriage, the woman should see a doctor or go to the hospital.

There is more information on self-managed abortion here.

For clear and accurate information on how to safely use abortion pills at home, as well as support from a real person around the clock

Most People Don't Regret Choosing Abortion
We’ll say it again: Most people don’t regret choosing abortion
A groundbreaking study conducted between 2008 and and 2016 followed 667 women from a week after their abortions until five years later to find out how they felt years after the procedure. Consistent with other studies that have been conducted, the results show definitively that their are not harmful long-term emotional effects for people who choose to terminate their pregnancies.
The sample very closely reflected the makeup of people who seek abortion nationally, including a mix of white, black, and Latina women from 30 clinics around the United States. After five years, the most common emotion felt by 95% of the group of was relief. Furthermore, many participants expressed that they did not even think about their abortions until prompted by the study.
While many states continue to impose waiting periods, unecessary ultrasounds, and even force doctors to give their patients inaccurate material about supposed detrimental mental health effects resulting from choosing abortion, we can say without a doubt that these laws are premised on an idea that simply has no evidence to support it: that having an abortion can cause long-term emotional harm. This study shows concretely that the supposed reason for which these laws are enacted is simply untrue. Negative emotional effects surrounding abortion are usually the result of societal stigma and not a result of the procedure itself, which is an important reason to continue the conversation about and continue to normalize this common medical procedure.
Women Help Women believes that all people should have access to medically and scientifically accurate information surrounding all aspects of abortion and reproductive health and believes people should have agency over their own reproductive choices. Our organization provides accurate information about what exactly a medical abortion with pills is, the pills’ effectiveness, how to use the pills, and what to expect after using abortion pills. If you are pregnant and do not want to be, get in touch with us online WhatsApp 0202600109
Through the e-consultation part of the Website, users might connect with a licensed doctor. The Website acts as a forwarder of your information. The Website also publishes information based on scientific research, and provides additional information through email. The Website does not advertise, or solicit users to make a request for contraception or a medical abortion.

The provision of service to you is conditional on you completing all consultation questionnaires on the Website truthfully and honestly. You must reveal and disclose all relevant information truthfully to the best of your knowledge. You acknowledge that omitting any information may cause harm and damage to your health, and agree to truthfully answer to all questions on the Website or sent to you by email. If you are unable to answer the questions in the consultation you should stop the consultation.

The information on our Website may be in different languages. You are solely responsible for ensuring that you understand the questionnaires you complete on our Website. You must contact Women Help Women if you do not understand a question or are unsure how you should answer certain questions or you do not fully understand the information given to you on our Website.

If for any reason you are not able to complete the consultation online you agree to have your request for contraception and/or medical abortion cancelled.

Our programs:

We work to both increase access to abortion through direct action and change social norms.

Our programs advance online and community access to self-managed abortion and work to create cultural change through this practice.

We support local feminist activist groups, train them in self-managed abortion, and connect groups to others in the global movement
We design and support innovative interventions using technology, such as online services, hotlines to expand access to abortion
We work on holistic security trainings to empower activism
We collaborate on research projects in the domains of public health and social science, needed for evidence-based advocacy (See our publications)
We work to disrupt the traditional narratives and change discourse and norms around abortion (See our resources)
Our organizational culture is collaborative, horizontal, open-source and feminist

By completing the online consultation you agree to:

- provide your valid address, email, telephone and date of birth.

- be contacted by email or telephone by the doctors and consultants of Women Help Women.

- The collection and disclosure of your data to third parties, such as doctors, pharmacists and consultants of Women Help Women and that the provided data can be used anonymously for statistical analysis and publication.

- The legal declaration and the waiver.

You will be asked for a contribution/donation to support non-profit causes.

A doctor will review your request and you authorize the doctor to obtain the medicines and ship them if your request is approved. The doctor is solely responsible for the prescription of any medicine based on the information provided by you. Women Help Women consultants and the doctors cannot guarantee that the medicine for contraception and/or the medical abortion will provide the desired results.

The medicines will be obtained by a provider or pharmacist and shipped. The manufacturer of the medicines is responsible for the quality of the medicines. Women Help Women does not take any liability for any delays of mail, custom controls or problems or lost shipments. It is solely the user’s responsibility to comply with any local regulations as appropriate. Any service provided is at risk of the user. You agree to waive Women Help Women from any liability related to the provision of the service, effects and results of the medicines, and compliance with local regulation.

You should understand and realize that as a result of the use of the medicines prescribed you may suffer adverse effects including but not limited to the side effects indicated in the information emailed to you.

The medical data provided online by you must match the information on the prescription. If there is a discrepancy we may need to contact you to clarify specific points. If we are unable to contact you, we reserve the right to cancel your request for contraception and/or medical abortionProud to support pro choices
I have been working as an online abortion and reproductive health counselor for 8 years now. I rarely have a pleasure to look in the eye of the people I counsel. Sometimes I hear their voices, but usually what I see are letters they type to my screen.

Yet we manage to build a relationship.

Sometimes people ask me how it feels to communicate by email with people in need of reproductive health service? Does the written form limit the conversation, or does it actually make it easier? Can you support women without seeing them? Is it even safe?

Internet knows no borders and email seems to give an impression of certain anonymity. I have an incredible privilege to correspond with people from so many places in the world. I would never be able to meet them otherwise, and hear their stories. A lot has been written in the last years about undeniable added value of the online communication for health issues, especially for more difficult or stigmatised ones.

Some women write me asking for an advice what to do in their situation and expect me to suggest a solution.

But I am not an advisor. I am a counselor. It would not be fair to decide for you.

I might have more factual knowledge on the subject of reproductive health, but you, out there on the other side of the screen, have knowledge of yourself. I provide information in most comprehensive way I can and in relation to what you ask me and tell me, and I will support you, but I will not diagnose, I will not recommend what you should do. You make your own choices. There is no secret knowledge I have that anyhow positions me as the one with THE answer that can solve your dilemma. YOU have the answer. You really do.

At times you feel the urge to tell me how it happened that you are in this situation. You give me the reason why you have an unwanted pregnancy.

I listen and am grateful that you share with me. But I do not need to know. I will not write to you differently, there is no better more ethical reason than other. I will say though is that 1 in 3 women has an abortion in their lifetime, it is a common fact of our lives that we should embrace. Abortion is health care and your right, no matter why or how many times you need it.

As a counselor I try to frame my communication in a way that is responsive, supportive & non judgmental, clear & concise, medically accurate and empowering.

The empowerment is not in a moment of having found the best solution for you. It is not just a concrete, single event in time, it is rather the process of finding it and acting upon it. It surely was for me.

And lastly - the safety of medical abortion has been extensively proven, and you can read about it in the Questions and Answers section of Women Help Women website.

The follow-up model based on self-assessment is steadily used more and more for provision of early abortion with pills. Women call, text or email the personnel that support them in case of questions.

Can women determine the success of early medical termination of pregnancy themselves?

The short answer to the question in the title of the article is: yes, they can.

And they often prefer to do so, themselves.

I trust them.
Confidential &
Non-Judgemental Support for all Pregnancy Options
Children by Choice is a non-profit organisation, committed to providing evidence based information on all pregnancy options - abortion, adoption, alternative or kinship care and parenting.

Our pregnancy options counselling, information and referral service is Queensland-wide.

Is abortion the right option for me?
Abortion is common, and people have abortions for many different reasons. Only you know what’s best for you, but good information and support can help you make the decision that's best for your own health and well-being.


Decision Making
While for some women and pregnant people the decision of whether to proceed with a pregnancy or not might be a clear one, for others the process is more complicated. Whatever decision you make, it’s important that it sits as best it can with your own values and beliefs. You are the expert in your own life, and you know best which option is going to work for you.

What are my options?
With any pregnancy there are four choices to consider:

Abortion: This is a time-sensitive decision, and depending on how far along the pregnancy is, you may need to decide quickly if you want to have an abortion. The location and availability of having an abortion change as the gestation of a pregnancy increases. If you have an abortion at a private clinic the cost will also increase with the gestation.

Adoption: You may be thinking about continuing with the pregnancy and placing the child for adoption. An adoption order can only take place after the child is born.

Alternative or Kinship Care: Alternative and kinship care are forms of family-based care for children and young people who can’t live at home.

Parenting: Continuing with the pregnancy and choosing to parent is the option chosen by around half of women and pregnant people considering their pregnancy options.

Making a decision
If you’re having trouble making a decision, or you feel conflicted about your decision, you might find working through the information below helpful. You can also contact one of our counsellors at Children by Choice and talk it through with them
Why do people decide to have an abortion?
If you’re thinking about having an abortion, you’re not alone. Millions of people face unplanned pregnancies every year, and about 4 out of 10 of them decide to get an abortion. Some people with planned pregnancies also get abortions because of health or safety reasons. Overall, about 1 in 4 women in the U.S. will have an abortion by the time they’re 45 years old.

Sometimes, the decision is simple. Other times, it’s complicated. But either way, the decision to have an abortion is personal, and you’re the only one who can make it.

Everyone has their own unique and valid reasons for having an abortion. Some of the many different reasons people decide to end a pregnancy include:

They want to be the best parent possible to the kids they already have.
They’re not ready to be a parent yet.
It’s not a good time in their life to have a baby.
They want to finish school, focus on work, or achieve other goals before having a baby.
They’re not in a relationship with someone they want to have a baby with.
They’re in an abusive relationship or were s*xually assaulted.
The pregnancy is dangerous or bad for their health.
The fetus won’t survive the pregnancy or will suffer after birth.
They just don’t want to be a parent.
Deciding to have an abortion doesn’t mean you don’t want or love children. In fact, 6 out of 10 people who get abortions already have kids — and many of them decide to end their pregnancies so they can focus on the children they already have. And people who aren’t already parents when they get an abortion often go on to have a baby later, when they feel they're in a better position to be a good parent. The bottom line is, deciding if and when to have a baby is very personal, and only you know what’s best for you and your family.

What can I think about to help me decide?
Family, relationships, school, work, life goals, health, safety, and personal beliefs — people think carefully about these things before having an abortion. But you’re the only person walking in your shoes, and the only person who can decide whether to have an abortion.

Here are some things to consider if you are thinking about an abortion:

Am I ready to be a parent?
Would I consider adoption?
What would it mean for my future if I had a child now?
What would it mean for my family if I had a child now?
How would being a parent affect my career goals?
Do I have strong personal or religious beliefs about abortion?
Is anyone pressuring me to have or not have an abortion?
Would having a baby change my life in a way I do or don’t want?
Would having an abortion change my life in a way I do or don’t want?
What kind of support would I need and get if I decided to get an abortion?
What kind of support would I need and get if I decided to have a baby?
Decisions about your pregnancy are personal. There are lots of things to consider, and it’s totally normal to have many different feelings and thoughts when making this decision. That’s why it’s important to get factual, non-judgmental information about abortion. Support from family, friends, partners, and other people you trust can also be helpful. But the decision is 100% yours.

Who can I talk with about getting an abortion?
Lots of people lean on others to help them with their decision. It’s good to choose people who are understanding and supportive of you.

Your local Planned Parenthood health center has caring professionals that can answer any questions you may have. They'll give you expert care, accurate information about all your options, and non-judgmental support along the way — no matter what you decide about your pregnancy.

Other family planning centers and private doctors may also talk with you about your decision. But be careful when looking for a reliable health center, because there are fake clinics out there that claim to offer information about pregnancy options and abortion. They’re called Crisis Pregnancy Centers, and they’re run by people who don’t believe in giving you honest facts about abortion, pregnancy, and birth control. Crisis pregnancy centers are often located very close to Planned Parenthood health centers or other real medical centers, and have similar names — they do this to confuse people and trick them into visiting them instead.

No one should pressure you into making any decision about your pregnancy, no matter what. So it’s important to get the info and support you need from people who give you the real facts and won’t judge you.

If you’re having a hard time finding someone in your life to talk with, check out:

All-Options: All-Options has a free hotline that gives you a confidential space to talk about making decisions about a pregnancy. They’ll give you judgment-free support at any point in your pregnancy experience, no matter what you decide to do or how you feel about it.
Abortions Welcome: Abortions Welcome has nonjudgmental written and interactive resources to support you in making your decision, including a clergy counseling line, where you can talk to compassionate clergy and religious counselors about spiritual concerns.
When do I have to make a decision?
It’s important to take the time you need to make the best decision for you. It’s also a good idea to talk to a nurse or doctor as soon as you can so you can get the best medical care possible

Can I really do an abortion at home?
Millions of women around the world have done safe medical abortions at home.
You may have read a lot lately about the distribution of abortion pills for home use, and people pursuing “self-managed” abortion. Especially in the US, with new restrictions on abortion in almost every state in recent years, abortion is becoming less accessible. Thankfully, for many people self-managed abortion is a safe alternative.

Millions of women around the world have done safe medical abortions at home. This is the standard of care in countries that offers safe abortion services.

For safety, what is important is that women have access to the medicines and get accurate information on how to use the medicines, what to expect after taking the medicines, and how to identify signs of a possible complication. The process of medical abortion is similar to a miscarriage. When done in the first 12 weeks there are minimal risks. In the rare case of a complication, just like with a miscarriage, the woman should see a doctor or go to the hospital.

There is more information on self-managed abortion here.

For clear and accurate information on how to safely use abortion pills at home, as well as support from a real person around the clock

Most People Don't Regret Choosing Abortion
We’ll say it again: Most people don’t regret choosing abortion
A groundbreaking study conducted between 2008 and and 2016 followed 667 women from a week after their abortions until five years later to find out how they felt years after the procedure. Consistent with other studies that have been conducted, the results show definitively that their are not harmful long-term emotional effects for people who choose to terminate their pregnancies.
The sample very closely reflected the makeup of people who seek abortion nationally, including a mix of white, black, and Latina women from 30 clinics around the United States. After five years, the most common emotion felt by 95% of the group of was relief. Furthermore, many participants expressed that they did not even think about their abortions until prompted by the study.
While many states continue to impose waiting periods, unecessary ultrasounds, and even force doctors to give their patients inaccurate material about supposed detrimental mental health effects resulting from choosing abortion, we can say without a doubt that these laws are premised on an idea that simply has no evidence to support it: that having an abortion can cause long-term emotional harm. This study shows concretely that the supposed reason for which these laws are enacted is simply untrue. Negative emotional effects surrounding abortion are usually the result of societal stigma and not a result of the procedure itself, which is an important reason to continue the conversation about and continue to normalize this common medical procedure.
Women Help Women believes that all people should have access to medically and scientifically accurate information surrounding all aspects of abortion and reproductive health and believes people should have agency over their own reproductive choices. Our organization provides accurate information about what exactly a medical abortion with pills is, the pills’ effectiveness, how to use the pills, and what to expect after using abortion pills. If you are pregnant and do not want to be, get in touch with us online WhatsApp 0202600109
Through the e-consultation part of the Website, users might connect with a licensed doctor. The Website acts as a forwarder of your information. The Website also publishes information based on scientific research, and provides additional information through email. The Website does not advertise, or solicit users to make a request for contraception or a medical abortion.

The provision of service to you is conditional on you completing all consultation questionnaires on the Website truthfully and honestly. You must reveal and disclose all relevant information truthfully to the best of your knowledge. You acknowledge that omitting any information may cause harm and damage to your health, and agree to truthfully answer to all questions on the Website or sent to you by email. If you are unable to answer the questions in the consultation you should stop the consultation.

The information on our Website may be in different languages. You are solely responsible for ensuring that you understand the questionnaires you complete on our Website. You must contact Women Help Women if you do not understand a question or are unsure how you should answer certain questions or you do not fully understand the information given to you on our Website.

If for any reason you are not able to complete the consultation online you agree to have your request for contraception and/or medical abortion cancelled.

Our programs:

We work to both increase access to abortion through direct action and change social norms.

Our programs advance online and community access to self-managed abortion and work to create cultural change through this practice.

We support local feminist activist groups, train them in self-managed abortion, and connect groups to others in the global movement
We design and support innovative interventions using technology, such as online services, hotlines to expand access to abortion
We work on holistic security trainings to empower activism
We collaborate on research projects in the domains of public health and social science, needed for evidence-based advocacy (See our publications)
We work to disrupt the traditional narratives and change discourse and norms around abortion (See our resources)
Our organizational culture is collaborative, horizontal, open-source and feminist

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- The collection and disclosure of your data to third parties, such as doctors, pharmacists and consultants of Women Help Women and that the provided data can be used anonymously for statistical analysis and publication.

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You will be asked for a contribution/donation to support non-profit causes.

A doctor will review your request and you authorize the doctor to obtain the medicines and ship them if your request is approved. The doctor is solely responsible for the prescription of any medicine based on the information provided by you. Women Help Women consultants and the doctors cannot guarantee that the medicine for contraception and/or the medical abortion will provide the desired results.

The medicines will be obtained by a provider or pharmacist and shipped. The manufacturer of the medicines is responsible for the quality of the medicines. Women Help Women does not take any liability for any delays of mail, custom controls or problems or lost shipments. It is solely the user’s responsibility to comply with any local regulations as appropriate. Any service provided is at risk of the user. You agree to waive Women Help Women from any liability related to the provision of the service, effects and results of the medicines, and compliance with local regulation.

You should understand and realize that as a result of the use of the medicines prescribed you may suffer adverse effects including but not limited to the side effects indicated in the information emailed to you.

The medical data provided online by you must match the information on the prescription. If there is a discrepancy we may need to contact you to clarify specific points. If we are unable to contact you, we reserve the right to cancel your request for contraception and/or medical abortion.
A surprise pregnancy can be stressful and scary. You’re the only one who can decide what to do, but there are people who can give you info and support. You’re not alone.

How do I know if I’m pregnant?
Pregnancy can only happen if semen (cum) gets in your va**na or on your v***a. So if you haven’t had pen*s-in-va**na s*x or had any semen (cum) near your v***a since your last period, you’re not pregnant.

Also keep in mind that it takes up to a few weeks for pregnancy to happen after s*x. So if the s*x happened a few days ago, you can’t be pregnant yet — in fact, you can still use emergency contraception (like the morning-after pill) to help prevent pregnancy if it’s been less than 5 days since you’ve had unprotected s*x.

If you’ve had pen*s-in-va**na s*x and miss your period, it’s possible that you’re pregnant. But keep in mind that lots of things besides pregnancy can mess with the timing of your period, like stress, diet, changes in your weight, and being sick. It’s also really common to have irregular periods when you’re a teenager.

The first thing to do if you think you’re pregnant is take a pregnancy test — it’s the only way to know for sure. A pregnancy test can tell you if you’re pregnant as soon as your period is late.

Proud to support pro choices

I have been working as an online abortion and reproductive health counselor for 18 years now. I rarely have a pleasure to look in the eye of the people I counsel. Sometimes I hear their voices, but usually what I see are letters they type to my screen.

Yet we manage to build a relationship.

Sometimes people ask me how it feels to communicate by email with people in need of reproductive health service? Does the written form limit the conversation, or does it actually make it easier? Can you support women without seeing them? Is it even safe?

Internet knows no borders and email seems to give an impression of certain anonymity. I have an incredible privilege to correspond with people from so many places in the world. I would never be able to meet them otherwise, and hear their stories. A lot has been written in the last years about undeniable added value of the online communication for health issues, especially for more difficult or stigmatised ones.

Some women write me asking for an advice what to do in their situation and expect me to suggest a solution.

But I am not an advisor. I am a counselor. It would not be fair to decide for you.

I might have more factual knowledge on the subject of reproductive health, but you, out there on the other side of the screen, have knowledge of yourself. I provide information in most comprehensive way I can and in relation to what you ask me and tell me, and I will support you, but I will not diagnose, I will not recommend what you should do. You make your own choices. There is no secret knowledge I have that anyhow positions me as the one with THE answer that can solve your dilemma. YOU have the answer. You really do.

At times you feel the urge to tell me how it happened that you are in this situation. You give me the reason why you have an unwanted pregnancy.

I listen and am grateful that you share with me. But I do not need to know. I will not write to you differently, there is no better more ethical reason than other. I will say though is that 1 in 3 women has an abortion in their lifetime, it is a common fact of our lives that we should embrace. Abortion is health care and your right, no matter why or how many times you need it.

As a counselor I try to frame my communication in a way that is responsive, supportive & non judgmental, clear & concise, medically accurate and empowering.

The empowerment is not in a moment of having found the best solution for you. It is not just a concrete, single event in time, it is rather the process of finding it and acting upon it. It surely was for me.

And lastly - the safety of medical abortion has been extensively proven, and you can read about it in the Questions and Answers section of Women Help Women website.

The follow-up model based on self-assessment is steadily used more and more for provision of early abortion with pills. Women call, text or email the personnel that support them in case of questions.

Can women determine the success of early medical termination of pregnancy themselves?

The short answer to the question in the title of the article is: yes, they can.

And they often prefer to do so, themselves.

I trust them.
It's always been important to publicly demonstrate support for abortion, but now, as the number of states with full or basically full abortion bans keeps ticking up, that charge hits a little differently. It's not just about being in favor of abortion, but being actively and publically positive about it. Here are are some tips on how to bring good abortion energy to your conversations.

Set boundaries and hold to them.

You don't have to try to convince someone who's anti-choice that abortion is good. It's your job to figure out what you feel equipped to handle, how much of it, and when it's time to walk away. It's okay to say you don't know something and direct someone to a source who might. This is energy work, it's fine to step back and reboot. Actually, it's essential.

Get in touch with your own abortion stigma and process it.

There are many reasons one might choose to take abortion pills, as opposed to seeking abortion care in a clinical setting. Because 90% of counties lack an abortion clinic, she may be unable to afford the cost of travel, which also may involve taking one or more days off of work (depending on the abortion regulations in her state), finding childcare, lodging, and more. She may prefer to control where and when she takes the pills, and where she experiences cramping, bleeding, and other symptoms. She may not want her abusive partner, her parents, or anyone in her life to find out about her pregnancy or her abortion. If this is the case, she will likely be anxious that, even once her abortion is complete, that someone in the future, namely a doctor, will learn that she's had an abortion.
Can a doctor tell if someone has used abortion pills? The answer is no, if they have been taken orally. (If the pills are inserted into the va**na, a doctor may be able to tell if there are traces remaining.) If one took the mifepristone/misoprostol combination, or misoprostol on its own, and she does seek medical care because of complications, she does not need to tell a health care provider that she took abortion pills. The symptoms of a miscarriage and a medical abortion are the same, and there are no tests that can prove one has had a medical abortion(s).
So a doctor can't tell if one has had a medical abortion, and in situations where one fears for her personal safety, or doesn't trust her health care provider with this information, that's a good thing. But if neither of these is the case, it's important to consider why someone would not want her doctor to know her entire medical history, including abortions. Is she holding back this information out of shame? Does she secretly fear that abortion has endangered her fertility? Abortion doesn't impact future fertility, and doctors who traffic in actual medicine know this, and should make sure their patients know it as well.
Abortion stigma, or ideas and beliefs about abortion that are medically inaccurate and negative, can result in those who take abortion pills not seeking medical care if they need it, taking the pills incorrectly, or getting the pills from sources that aren't safe, since they don't want anyone to know that they're seeking abortion. Health care providers should not in any way contribute to the perpetuation of abortion stigma; in fact, it's their job to ensure that people get accurate information and medical care regardless of their personal beliefs.
To learn more about about abortion pills, how they work, what to expect, and more, check out Women Help Women's FAQs.