For Referrers ~ Talking to Patients
As a health professional, you may find yourself in a sensitive position regarding a woman’s pregnancy decision. You may be the person who delivers her pregnancy test results, and your compassionate, nonjudgmental counsel can make a big difference. Ask her about her situation and provide support, information, and referrals to help her access the services she needs.
Basic Guidelines
- Don’t assume that a positive test is happy news.
- Don’t assume what her decision will be, even if it seems obvious to you.
- Don’t assume that number of pregnancies equals number of children.
- Explain abortion accurately and gently.
- Be nonjudgmental, direct, and matter-of-fact.
- Pay attention to body language. Ask questions and say what you notice.
- Screen every woman for abuse and sexual assault. Know that abuse often becomes more intense and frequent during pregnancy.
- Listen and validate her concerns.
- Give basic prenatal care and instructions to all pregnant women, even those considering abortion.
Examples of Supportive Questions and Comments
- “You’re the expert about what you need to do—I’ll support you in whatever you think is best.”
- “You’re not alone if you choose to have an abortion. In fact, about a third of women in America will have an abortion.”
- “Do you want to talk about what your options are?”
- “What are your beliefs about abortion? About adoption?”
- “What do you need from me to help you make a decision?”
What Else You Can Do to Support Women’s Pregnancy Options
- Stay current on reproductive health. Know the facts about abortion procedures (surgical and medical), contraception options, adoption procedures, etc.
- Help women prevent future unintended pregnancies. Write prophylactic prescriptions for emergency contraception. Offer free contraceptive samples to patients without insurance.
- Be an advocate for reproductive rights. Remember the stories women tell you. Their experiences, combined with your authority as a health professional, make you an excellent advocate for reproductive rights among peers, patients, and legislators.
