Friends are in it together. Through thick and thin; through laughter and tears. That’s the point, right? There’s not a problem you wouldn’t walk through with your friend. Even now. A positive pregnancy test, a lot of tears, and a heart-to-heart conversation leave you wondering, How do you help a friend who wants an abortion?

Your friendship is more important now than ever.

The best thing to do is listen. Hear her words and hear her heart behind her words. Unexpected pregnancy comes with its own emotions. There’s fear. There’s the shock. Maybe even anger – or any other emotion.

While she will make her own decision, sometimes we look to other people for advice, support, and next steps. And we trust those who are our friends. So, what do you tell her? What’s the best next step for a friend who wants an abortion?

First, help her make sure she has all the information. Information – what else does she need to know? you may be asking yourself. While a pregnancy test gives her some information, it doesn’t give her all the information she needs to make an informed decision – a decision that’s good for her reproductive health and her wallet. As a friend, you can help her think about things she may not be thinking about herself.

One thing she will need is an ultrasound. But she already knows she wants an abortion, you think to yourself. Why would she need an ultrasound? Well, for several important reasons. For one thing, an early pregnancy ultrasound can rule out an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy not in the uterus). Did you know you can have a positive pregnancy test with an ectopic pregnancy? Your friend may not know that either. An ectopic pregnancy is a health emergency that requires medical intervention, not an abortion. Your friend’s life may depend on this information!

An ultrasound also dates the pregnancy. Your friend may feel pretty confident about how far along she is and she may even be tracking her period on an app, but an ultrasound will give more definite information. If your friend is considering a medical abortion, there are time limits on when she can take the abortion pills. So an ultrasound will help her know if a medical abortion will even work for her.

Finally, an ultrasound shows if your friend has a viable pregnancy. She can have a positive pregnancy test even while she is in the process of a miscarriage. Why would your friend pay for an abortion if she has already lost the pregnancy?

Your friend may also want a safe and non-judgmental space to discuss all of her options. The shock of a positive pregnancy test may be overwhelming her, but you can help her find a place where she can get full information on all her options.

So you have a friend who wants an abortion – how do you help her find all this help? 

This part is easy – you just have her call us here at Alcove Health. Located right here on the Virginia Peninsula, we can provide her with a lab-grade pregnancy test, an ultrasound, and an options consultation. We also provide STI testing, so your friend can make sure her body is safe before she begins any procedures. And here’s another way you’re helping your friend protect her wallet – all of our services are free!

What’s more, she can bring one adult guest with her – so you can even offer to come with her. How’s that for being a good friend?

Your friend wants an abortion; you want to take care of her. Even if she’s already scheduled her abortion appointment, she can make an appointment with us before that appointment to make sure she has the medical information she needs to make a good decision for herself. That’s what good friends do. Have your friend call us or click here to request her free and confidential medical appointment today!