Abortion Support
From the moment you become pregnant, your body begins a process of transformation. It’s your right to decide how you want to experience that transformation.
For some, making a decision to continue a pregnancy or not is difficult or complicated, and for others, it’s very simple. No matter your decision, more changes must occur to prepare your path. The end of any pregnancy also comes with a postpartum period, which can bring many different emotions and sometimes spiritual reckonings, in addition to bodily changes. I am deeply familiar with these changes and the decisions that come with them as I have experienced three medication abortions at home.
The first abortion inspired me to seek out training to become an abortion doula. I recognized how much better the experience would have been if I were supported by someone who was educated on what abortion is and can be. It has been very healing to become the person I wish I had there for me.
The abortion support I offer includes:
- Judgement-free help with making a decision (including referring to prenatal care if you do decide to continue a pregnancy)
- Preparing for an abortion and the postpartum period after
- Emotional and spiritual support throughout the process, as desired.
Abortion support can look like:
- An honest conversation about what different methods of abortion are like
- A safe space to talk through thoughts and feelings, including grief, loss, happiness, regret, anger, relief, sadness, peace – all emotions are welcomed
- Creating a comfortable set-up for a medication abortion at home
- Providing support in person or through text, phone, or video during an abortion at home, including:
- Non-medical informational support (abortions are generally very safe but you can take extra comfort in the fact that I am trained to see warning signs of necessary medical intervention)
- Help finding positions that alleviate pain, providing distraction or redirection, light massage, engaging in meditation, guided visualization, or breathing techniques, drawing a bath, setting you up with a hot water bottle or heating pad, brewing comforting teas, or making food
- Coming with you to an in-person appointment (many places will not let others in during the procedure, but I can stay with you in the waiting room and be there for you after)
- Checking in on you after the abortion is complete, providing postpartum care including cooking, light cleaning, childcare, walking your dog, or just having a chat
- Processing your story through writing or art
- Figuring out how to talk to friends and family about it
- Ritualizing the experience as it is happening or even years after it occurred, including creating prayers or epitaphs, lighting candles, making altars, or other creative methods that align with your spiritual beliefs
- Sharing resources to learn more and find others who you can connect with over this experience
- Whatever we agree upon!
Cost:
I understand that for many, the main reason they are having an abortion is for financial reasons. So I offer abortion support on a “pay what you can” basis, even if that amount is $0. I am also open to bartering and trading services.
Asha Lerae 