27/03/2025
Confidential & Non-Judgmental Support for All Pregnancy Options
Children by Choice is a non-profit organization committed to providing evidence-based information on all pregnancy options — abortion, adoption, alternative or kinship care, and parenting.
We offer pregnancy options counseling, information, and referrals.
Proud to Support Pro-Choice
I have been working as an online abortion and reproductive health counselor for eight years. I rarely have the pleasure of looking the people I counsel in the eye. Sometimes, I hear their voices, but usually, what I see are the letters they type on my screen.
Yet, we manage to build a relationship.
People sometimes ask me how it feels to communicate via email with those in need of reproductive health services. Does the written form limit the conversation, or does it actually make it easier? Can I support women without seeing them? Is it even safe?
The internet knows no borders, and email provides an impression of certain anonymity. I have the incredible privilege of corresponding with people from many places around the world. I would never be able to meet them otherwise and hear their stories. Much has been written in recent years about the undeniable added value of online communication for health issues, especially for more difficult or stigmatized ones.
Some women write to me asking for advice on what to do in their situation and expect me to suggest a solution.
But I am not an advisor. I am a counselor. It would not be fair for me to decide for you.
While I might have more factual knowledge on reproductive health, you, out there on the other side of the screen, have knowledge of yourself. I provide information in the most comprehensive way I can, based on what you ask and tell me. I will support you, but I will not diagnose or recommend what you should do. You make your own choices. There is no secret knowledge I possess that positions me as the one with THE answer that can solve your dilemma. YOU have the answer. You truly do.
At times, you may feel the urge to tell me how you arrived at this situation. You may share why you have an unwanted pregnancy.
I listen and am grateful that you share with me. But I do not need to know. I will not treat you any differently, as there is no "better" or more ethical reason than another. What I will say, though, is that 1 in 3 women will have an abortion in their lifetime. It is a common fact of our lives that we should embrace. Abortion is healthcare and your right, no matter the reason or how many times you need it.
As a counselor, I try to frame my communication in a way that is responsive, supportive, non-judgmental, clear, concise, medically accurate, and empowering.
Empowerment is not about finding the best solution for you in a single moment. It is not a concrete, one-time event, but rather the process of finding and acting upon it. That certainly was the case for me.
Lastly, the safety of medical abortion has been extensively proven. You can read more about it in the "Questions and Answers" section of the Women Help Women website.
The follow-up model based on self-assessment is increasingly used for providing early abortion with pills. Women can call, text, or email personnel who support them if they have questions.
Can Women Determine the Success of Early Medical Termination of Pregnancy Themselves?
The short answer to the question in the title of the article is: yes, they can.
And they often prefer to do so themselves.
I trust them.
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Confidential & Non-Judgmental Support for All Pregnancy Options
Children by Choice is a non-profit organization committed to providing evidence-based information on all pregnancy options — abortion, adoption, alternative or kinship care, and parenting.
Our pregnancy options counseling, information, and referral service is available across Queensland.
Is Abortion the Right Option for Me?
Abortion is common, and people have abortions for many different reasons. Only you know what’s best for you, but good information and support can help you make the decision that's best for your health and well-being.
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Making a Decision
For some women and pregnant people, the decision of whether to continue with a pregnancy may be clear, but for others, the process is more complicated. Whatever decision you make, it's important that it aligns with your own values and beliefs. You are the expert in your own life, and you know best which option is right for you.
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What Are My Options?
With any pregnancy, there are four choices to consider:
1. Abortion: This is a time-sensitive decision. Depending on how far along the pregnancy is, you may need to decide quickly if you want to have an abortion. The location and availability of abortion services change as the pregnancy progresses, and costs increase with the gestational age.
2. Adoption: You may be considering continuing with the pregnancy and placing the child for adoption. An adoption order can only occur after the child is born.
3. Alternative or Kinship Care: Alternative and kinship care are family-based options for children and young people who can’t live at home.
4. Parenting: Continuing with the pregnancy and choosing to parent is the option chosen by around half of the women and pregnant people considering their options.
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Making a Decision
If you’re having trouble making a decision or feel conflicted, working through the information below may help. You can also contact one of our counselors at Children by Choice to discuss your feelings.
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Why Do People Decide to Have an Abortion?
If you're considering an abortion, you're not alone. Millions of people face unplanned pregnancies every year, and about 4 out of 10 of them decide to get an abortion. Some people with planned pregnancies also have abortions for health or safety reasons. Overall, about 1 in 4 women in the U.S. will have an abortion by the time they are 45.
Sometimes, the decision is simple. Other times, it’s complicated. But regardless, the decision to have an abortion is personal, and you’re the only one who can make it.
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What to Consider When Making a Decision:
Am I ready to be a parent?
Would I consider adoption?
How would my future change if I had a child now?
How would having a child affect my family, career goals, and life?
Do I have personal or religious beliefs about abortion?
Is anyone pressuring me to make a decision?
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Who Can I Talk to About Getting an Abortion?
It's helpful to choose people who are understanding and supportive. No one should pressure you into making any decision about your pregnancy.
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When Do I Have to Make a Decision?
Take your time to make the best decision for you. It’s also important to talk to a nurse or doctor as soon as possible to ensure you receive the best medical care.
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Can I Really Have an Abortion at Home?
Millions of women around the world safely have medical abortions at home. The use of abortion pills for home use, particularly in countries with new restrictions, has become an increasingly safe alternative.
For safety, it's crucial that women have access to the right medicines, accurate instructions, and the ability to identify complications. The process of medical abortion is similar to a miscarriage and carries minimal risks when done within the first 12 weeks. In rare cases, if complications arise, medical attention should be sought immediately.
For more information on self-managed abortion, click here.
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About Our Services
Women Help Women believes everyone should have access to medically and scientifically accurate information about abortion and reproductive health. We provide detailed information on the process of medical abortion, how to use abortion pills, and what to expect after taking them.
For more information, visit our website or contact us via WhatsApp at 0202578624
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