Resources for Emotional Support
Below are resources that may be helpful before, during, or after an abortion.
If you or your loved one wants to talk about their abortion experience with a trained, nonjudgemental counselor:
Exhale Pro-Voice Text: 617-749-2948
All Options Call: 1-888-493-0092
Pro-Choice Therapists: a directory of pro-choice therapists
Termination For Medical Reasons Therapy: a directory of pro-choice therapists that have been vetted for TFMR-support
Warmline: a peer-run listening line alternative to crisis lines for those who are NOT in acute mental health distress but still need someone to talk to; these lines do not contact law enforcement. You can use their national line or use the state-specific directory
Group Therapy for Everyone
Postpartum International After-Abortion support group: group therapy for people who have experienced abortion
Postpartum International TMFR support group: group therapy for people who have experienced termination for medical reasons.
Chicago Abortion Fund (CAF) has wonderful support options and resources. CAF also runs A Home Here: Post Abortion Community Circles
Specialized Group Therapy for “TFMR” or “Ending Wanted Pregnancy”
If you terminated your pregnancy after receiving a fetal diagnosis, there are specialized support options available. Check out:
Termination for Medical Reasons (TFMR) Support Group: https://postpartum.net/group/termination-for-medical-reasons-support-group/
Postpartum International TMFR support group: group therapy for people who have experienced termination for medical reasons.
Online Support Resources
Storytelling
A general mix of stories reflecting a variety of circumstances:
Specific stories from people who ended pregnancies after fetal diagnoses:
Ending Wanted Pregnancy’s collection of abortion stories after 24wks
r/tfmr collection of stories
This story is particularly detailed
Online support spaces for emotions after an abortion
For everyone: r/abortion
Chicago Abortion Fund’s “A Home Here” virtual post-abortion support group.
Specifically for people who ended pregnancies after fetal diagnoses:
A note for people of faith
It’s important to remember that people of all faiths have abortions. Many people who work in abortion clinics do so because of their faith and the shared belief that we are all deserving of dignity, compassion, and community, especially during the most vulnerable moments of our lives. There are multiple pro-choice resources created specifically for people who identify as religious or spiritual, as well as faith-specific organizations like Catholics for Choice and the Ad’iyah Collective .
You can also talk with someone about your experience through text helplines or by finding pro-abortion mental health providers. These resources are also on our resources page.
Find a pro-abortion therapist: prochoicetherapists.org
All Options Call: 1-888-493-0092
When to Seek Additional Support
Many people feel a range of emotions during or after abortion care, including relief, sadness, grief, anger, or a mix of feelings. For some, especially those with a history of depression, anxiety, trauma, or significant stress, symptoms may feel more intense or harder to manage.
If you or someone you are supporting is experiencing severe depression symptoms such as persistent hopelessness, inability to function, thoughts of self-harm, or thoughts of suicide, it’s important to seek immediate support. You can:
Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7 in the U.S.)
Use chat via 988lifeline.org
Go to your nearest emergency room