Abortion Companion Support: What It Looks Like, How I Help

Abortion is healthcare — and like any big, emotional, or overwhelming moment, nobody should have to go through it alone. People imagine abortion support as one specific thing, but it’s actually a wide range of care depending on what someone needs that day. Every experience is different. Every story is different. And every person deserves compassion, honesty, privacy, and steady support.

My role as an abortion companion is not to judge, persuade, or impose anything.

It’s to show up — fully, quietly, and respectfully — for someone during a time that can feel vulnerable, confusing, isolating, or simply heavy.

Here’s what that looks like when I support someone through their abortion.

Compassionate support before the procedure

For many people, the hardest part happens before they even walk into the clinic. My support can include:

talking through fears or anxieties

explaining what to expect in simple, grounded language

helping them plan transportation and logistics

offering evidence-based resources

holding space for any emotions that come up (grief, relief, fear, frustration, numbness — all of it is valid)

reminding them they’re not alone and they deserve support

There’s no agenda.

Just presence and care.

Some people want to talk a lot.

Some want quiet.

Some want reassurance.

Some want straightforward information.

I meet them exactly where they are.

Transportation and accompaniment

As part of my volunteer support, I offer transportation within 30 miles of 80004. For many people, getting to and from the appointment is the most stressful part. I make sure they feel safe and grounded from start to finish.

If they want me inside the clinic with them, I stay.

If they want space, I give it.

If they need someone to advocate gently or ask questions, I can help with that too — always within their wishes.

This is about supporting their choices, their comfort, and their boundaries.

Support during the procedure (if they want me present)

Every clinic is different, and every person’s comfort level is different. When I’m allowed and invited in, I can offer:

grounding touch (hand-holding, shoulder support if desired)

breathing techniques

reassurance when the room feels overwhelming

quiet presence

reminders that they can take their time

emotional anchoring when fear rises

I don’t speak over providers or interfere with medical care.

I simply stay with the person so they don’t feel alone in a moment that can feel intense.

Aftercare and emotional support

The time after an abortion can be fragile — physically, emotionally, or both. My aftercare support can include:

picking up medication or supplies

helping them get settled at home

feeding them something warm

offering non-medical comfort measures

checking in later that day or week

listening without judgment

giving space to talk about anything they’re carrying

Some people experience relief.

Some experience grief.

Some feel a mix of both.

All of it deserves to be held with compassion.

I offer one in-person check-in, plus phone and text support as needed — because healing isn’t a one-hour moment.

Childcare support if needed

If someone has children and needs temporary care while they’re in their appointment, I offer gentle, safe support for older children so the parent can focus on their procedure without worry. Just like sibling doula care, this is rooted in emotional steadiness and making sure kids feel safe.

Why this work matters to me

My support for abortion care comes from a place of deep compassion. People deserve autonomy. People deserve safe choices. People deserve support without pressure, stigma, or shame. I show up because:

nobody should navigate this alone

emotional support matters just as much as medical care

every story is complex

every person deserves dignity

stigma does real harm

care should be accessible, gentle, and human

As a doula who has walked through trauma, fear, medical systems, NICU life, postpartum depression, and so many deeply human experiences, I understand what it means to need someone who doesn’t look away. Someone who doesn’t judge. Someone who holds space for the truth — all of it.

Abortion companion support isn’t about politics.

It’s about people.

It’s about care.

It’s about meeting someone in a vulnerable moment and saying, “You don’t have to do this alone.”

And I’m honored every time someone trusts me to walk beside them.