Abortion Aftercare: How to Take Care of Yourself After an Abortion

Everyone experiences abortion differently, and there is no “right” or “wrong” way to feel after an abortion. It’s your story and your journey, but we have a few tips to help you feel in control of your experience. Confidential after-abortion support and care is available for you to move forward with strength and resilience.

Next Steps for Abortion Aftercare

Make an appointment with an OB/GYN.

Even if you physically feel good after an abortion, it’s very important to visit an OB/GYN two weeks after the procedure. This is critical whether you had a medical abortion at home using pills or a surgical abortion in a clinic. So, why is a follow-up appointment necessary?

• To catch possible complications early
• To make sure your cervix has closed properly
• To make sure your uterus has returned to a pre-pregnancy size
• To make sure your pregnancy hormones are coming down
• To monitor you for anemia from blood loss
• To check for signs of an infection
• To discuss ideas to prevent another unexpected pregnancy

Speak with a mental health professional.

Women can be caught off-guard by the unexpected emotional impact that abortion has on them and their partners. They report strong feelings that are difficult to process after an abortion, sometimes for years.

You may benefit from the support of a mental health professional if you are feeling depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, or guilty. If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline now for 24/7 support.

Rest assured that having mixed emotions after abortion is common, and you don’t have to regret your abortion to talk with someone who can offer some guidance. It’s possible to feel relief and be struggling after an abortion. A professional understands and can empower you with tools to pursue healing and resilience so you can move forward in strength.

If you need support now, speak with someone who has been in your shoes.

Whatever you’re feeling, we are here to listen.

At Avail NYC, our client advocates have their own abortion stories and journeys, allowing them to relate. Our support is confidential, and we can connect you with helpful resources and listen to your story with compassion.

Speaking with an unbiased client advocate who is trained and experienced in after abortion support can feel like a life-line at just the right time.

Help is also available for your partner.

Men need support too.

Did you know that men may also feel the impact of abortion? If your partner was part of the abortion decision, chances are he is probably also experiencing his own emotions.

Studies reveal that men often don’t start processing pregnancy loss until two years afterward. Why is this? It’s usually because they have been so focused on helping their partners that they don’t allow themselves to process their own emotions about abortion.

Join an abortion support group.

There is power in community.

No one can relate to your experience like someone who has “been there,” and there is a profound healing effect on you when you feel understood by others. The emotional support that a support group provides has been shown to positively affect your body and mental health.

The Importance of Abortion Aftercare & Support

At Avail NYC, we know you can thrive after an abortion experience with the right support and care, so we offer compassionate, confidential after-abortion services, including low-cost or no-cost referrals to an OB/GYN and free guided support groups. Contact us today, and reclaim your story.