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My friend had an abortion – what should I do?

CollageCenter • Oct 03, 2012

Has a friend ever confided in you that she’s experienced an abortion? Maybe a friend asked you to keep it a secret that she and her boyfriend decided to end a pregnancy. Maybe a guy you know told you that his girlfriend had one without even telling him about it until after the fact. Whatever the situation, as a friend, you have the power to reach out and help. 


What’s the first step?

Listen to your friend. Don’t prod, but be available to listen to how she may be feeling in the aftermath of their experience. Allow her to unpack her emotions.


It may take time…

Don’t be surprised if your friend tells you weeks, months or even years after it happened. Be careful not to react strongly with your opinion because she may be hurting and just need someone to listen as she processes her feelings.


You’re not alone!

You may realize that your friend needs more than you may be able to give. That’s where Collage can help. We have trained staff who can meet with your friend, and allow her to talk about her experience and share what opportunities there are for healing. 


What’s next?

The support groups we offer for women who have been hurt by abortion are free and confidential. Only the staff that help facilitate the groups actually know who the participants are. 



If you have a friend who might benefit from our after-abortion help, give her our phone number, website or email address to find out more information. If she wants to stop in, she can bring you along if she doesn’t want to come alone. Your friend may need closure and you could be the one to introduce her to hope. 

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