Preparing Emotionally for Your Abortion

Feeling nervous, scared and/or relieved while waiting to have your abortion procedure? You’re not alone. It is normal for women to experience a range of emotions while waiting to have their abortion. Experiencing an unintended pregnancy can be stressful. You may be feeling confident in your decision, but anxious about the abortion procedure. If you are unsure of your decision to have an abortion, or are feeling coerced by someone, please see our Pregnancy Options Counseling services. PPWP is concerned about your physical and emotional well-being. To help you cope with your anxiety and find some relief we encourage you to take the following steps:

1. Breath! Take a nice deep breath. It’s normal to be nervous, and sometimes when we’re nervous we don’t breath as well as we should. Taking a few nice slow deep breaths may help you feel calmer.
2. Gather information about the procedure – In-Clinic Abortion or Abortion Pill.
3. Talk about it! Talking with your partner, family and/or friends about your anxiety can make a BIG difference in how you feel.
4. Download the PPWP “Coping with Anxiety” booklet. This booklet is filled with lots of ways to help you relax before, during and after your abortion.
5. Bring a portable CD/MP3 player to your appointment. Fill it with relaxing music. Or request a FREE PPWP CD player filled with sounds of nature and relaxing music during your surgical abortion.
6. Still really anxious? It might help to speak with a PPWP counselor. Call 412-246-0770 to make an appointment!

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