Abortion Doula Services We Offer
As abortion doulas, we provide emotional, informational, and physical support to a person before, during, and after their abortion. We can also facilitate communication with the medical system and to ensure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions regarding your abortion. Our role is to support YOU, not your caregiver, partner, friend, medical staff, or the clinic where you get abortion.
Your assigned doula will explain the below further and establish boundaries that work for both of you. Your doula will do their best to respond to messages as soon as they can.
Services Offered
Services offered vary per doula in our collective, and may include:
General abortion information (e.g. different abortion methods)
Options counseling
Support with appointment scheduling & navigating the medical system
We can assist with gathering information to make sure you have the information you need to make informed decisions about your abortion.
Connection to a range of resources related to abortion, including but not limited to referral to abortion funds and assistance for travel, lodging, childcare, and more
Assistance in understanding rapidly changing local abortion policies
Escorting for in-clinic appointment
We can offer comfort techniques and suggestions to help ease discomfort, such as breathing exercises, enhancing relaxation, and providing encouraging words.
If you consent to touch, we can hold your hand or rub your back.
We can also provide external comforts such as a heat pack or tea.
Virtual or in-person emotional support before, during and/or after your abortion
Aftercare
We can remain with you after your abortion, until you are comfortable or ready to be alone and/or leave the clinic.
We can process your abortion and help answer questions you might have.
If at any point you change your mind about your pregnancy, we will be there to support you unconditionally.
Limitations of Services
As abortion doulas with NYAAD, we do not:
Provide medical or legal advice.
Provide psychological evaluation.
Perform clinical tasks, such as taking blood pressure or vaginal exams.
Speak to medical staff on your behalf. We can instead discuss your concerns with you and suggest options, as well as encourage you to voice your opinions, questions, and concerns to the staff.
Make decisions for you. Rather, we can help you access the information you need to make an informed decision.
External Resources
If/When/How Repro Legal Helpline | 844-868-2812
Repro Legal Defense Fund | 866-463-RLDF
Miscarriage + Abortion Hotline | 833-246-2632
New York Abortion Access Fund (NYAAF) | 212-252-4757 | intake@nyaaf.org
If leaving a message or emailing NYAAF, please include:
Your name
Your phone number
Your appointment details (clinic, date, time)
The best time for them to call you back
Whether it is safe to say that NYAAF is calling when they leave a message