Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.
It's never easy to process the news that your girlfriend has had an abortion in her past. It can bring up a lot of mixed emotions, from grief and sadness to confusion and anger. However, it is important to remember that healing is possible after this difficult experience. Here are some tips for how you can heal together:
Open communication between partners is key when it comes to healing from any kind of trauma or pain. In every aspect, it’s important to approach this conversation openly and with respect. It's taken a lot of courage for your girlfriend to come to you with this. Let her know that you are there for her when she's ready to talk about what happened and how she feels about it now. Showing empathy will help create a safe environment where both of you feel comfortable talking freely without judgment or shame attached to the topic at hand.
Taking breaks away from discussing the abortion will help keep things lighthearted while still allowing both you and your girlfriend space for growth and understanding. Doing something fun such as going on walks outside, playing board games indoors, dancing to music, or engaging in creative activities (like painting) could be great ways just spend quality time with each other while also providing emotional outlets where necessary.
It’s important to understand that your girlfriend might either have a whole range of negative emotions, or none, tied to the abortion experience. As a supportive partner, you can learn about Post-Abortion Syndrome Symptoms (PASS), a condition that the American Psychological Association researched that found “it is clear that some women do experience sadness, grief, and feelings of loss following termination of a pregnancy, and some experience clinically significant disorders, including depression and anxiety.”
If your girlfriend makes any comments suggesting she is contemplating suicide,
contact a physician or mental health professional immediately.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached 24/7.
If either one of you feels like they need extra support during this time, don't hesitate to seek out support from Avail NYC. Having an objective third-party present may be beneficial for getting through tough conversations more easily and finding ways forward towards recovery faster than trying on your own might allow for.
Overall, no matter what the path towards healing looks like, know that there’s always hope! With patience and understanding between partners — even amidst challenging times — true recovery and peace are possible.
Avail NYC exists to be a safe haven for women and men facing an unexpected pregnancy or seeking support after an abortion. We are not a medical provider.
ABOUT AVAIL
Avail NYC provides free, compassionate support for women and men navigating unexpected pregnancies or seeking support after an abortion. Our trained Personal Advocates offer a safe, confidential space online or in-person to process emotions and explore options. Equipping clients with personalized coping strategies and resources, we empower them to move forward with confidence at their own pace. Avail NYC is not a medical provider. To learn more or meet with a personal advocate, visit Avail NYC.
Our office is conveniently located at 115 W 45th St, 4th floor, New York, NY 10036. To see directions and hours, please read more about our location.
For your online appointment, please check your email for the link to join the appointment via Zoom. This link was sent when you scheduled the appointment and is included in your appointment reminders. If you can’t find it, don’t hesitate to contact us, and we’ll resend the information quickly.
You can always cancel or reschedule your appointment if you need to. Simply select “Manage Appointments” via our online booking system or contact us directly to move your appointment to a time that better fits your schedule.
If you miss your appointment, there’s no need to worry. We understand that things can come up unexpectedly. Simply reschedule at your earliest convenience through our online system or by reaching out to us.
Absolutely, you are welcome to bring someone with you for support during your appointment. We aim to make you as comfortable as possible, and having your partner or a supportive friend or family member by your side can be part of that. Just add a note when you make the appointment and we will have a male or female advocate there to support them.
Our personal advocates are highly trained, trauma-informed professionals who have been trained on counseling techniques, confidentiality, and sensitivity to diverse needs, and how to help others make a decision.
We're here to make sure you feel fully supported. We do encourage you to work with one advocate, but if you feel you need to make a change at any time, learn more about our team of qualified personal advocates or just reach out to us.
A safe place for confident decisions.
115 W. 45th St., 4th Floor
NY, NY 10036
Text us: 234-201-0532 or Call us: 212-689-1705
© Avail 2024