About Abortion Doulas
Getting an abortion is generally very safe and effective, but that doesn’t mean we all couldn’t use a little extra support! This is where an abortion companion/doula comes in. So you might be asking, what is an abortion doula and what can they do for me?
The main thing a doula can provide is support. They are there to help you during the process from beginning to end in a variety of ways. They are there to give practical and logistical support such as rides to and from a clinic, helping you navigate the steps you need to take, they can be a buffer while interacting with medical staff, and make sure that you are getting your questions answered truthfully by medical staff. Doulas can also provide you with comfort items as well as snacks and water.
As well as practical support, they also offer emotional support to help you understand thoughts and feelings you might be having around your abortion. They are a friendly ear if you want to talk about your experiences. They can also offer remote support if you prefer more privacy, if it is just more comfortable for you, or if you live somewhere that doesn’t offer in person companions.
Doulas are also there to help manage pain and to identify and help if there is any kind of medical complication. They are there to monitor the physical things that may be happening and help assess whether they are normal or whether there might be something wrong.
Companions go through a training process to make sure they are equipped to offer you the best possible support for what you need. They are trained to know strategies to make sure that you get the best possible care and that your needs get communicated to medical staff. They are also committed to providing service to everyone, including those in the LGBTQ+ community. Everyone deserves respect and care without judgement. The goal is to support you!
If you are considering an abortion, an abortion companion can be a supportive and helpful ally during your journey.
Northwest Abortion Access Fund can provide a remote doula for people in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Alaska.
The Colorado Doula Project provides remote doula services to anyone anywhere.
For indigenous individuals having their abortion in Seattle, Hummingbird Indigenous Family Services can provide in-person doula services.
If you’re considering becoming an abortion doula yourself, we can recommend the Colorado Doula Project’s self-directed training!