Abortion support before, during and after
Whatever you decide and however you feel, you deserve support without judgment. This page brings together helplines, ways to find emotional support before and after an abortion, ideas for talking with people close to you and practical help. If you are in danger or need urgent medical care, call your local emergency number now.
Need help now
If you are in danger or need urgent medical care, call your local emergency number.
- 112 Emergency in the European Union: 112
- 911 Emergency in the United States and Canada: 911
- 988 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (United States): call or text 988
- 1-800-772-9100 National Abortion Federation Hotline (United States and Canada): 1-800-772-9100
- 116 123 Emotional support line in many EU countries: 116 123
Every number is checked at its official source. A number we cannot verify is not shown. Each country card lists further verified helplines for that country.
Feelings are different for everyone
People come to an abortion from many situations and feel many things before and after it, often several at once. Relief, calm, sadness, doubt, anger or grief are all common, and none of them means a decision was wrong. Hormone changes in the days after an abortion can make emotions stronger for a while.
Research reviewed by medical societies, including those cited by the World Health Organization, shows that most people do not experience lasting mental health problems because of an abortion. What helps most is having support from people you trust and access to care without stigma.
- There is no right way to feel
- Feelings can change over days and weeks
- Support from people you trust makes a difference
- Talking to someone outside your circle is also an option
Support while you decide
Some people know right away what they want, and others need time and information. Counseling that respects your decision, whatever it is, can help you think through your options without pressure. In some countries counseling is a legal step before an abortion, and the law card shows whether it is required and where it is offered.
Be aware that some services that present themselves as neutral counseling aim to discourage abortion. A service that respects your choice gives accurate medical information, explains all options and does not pressure you. Accurate information about methods is in our medication abortion and procedural abortion guides, and the law in each place is on its card.
Talking with people close to you
Deciding whether and whom to tell is entirely up to you. Some people want a partner, friend or family member with them, and others prefer to keep it private.
- Choose someone you trust and who has supported you before
- Pick a calm moment and a private place
- Say what you need from them, for example to listen, to come with you or to help with practical things
- You do not have to explain or justify your decision
- If you fear a violent or controlling reaction, you do not have to tell, and you can ask a helpline for advice on staying safe
If you want someone with you on the day, many clinics allow a support person in the waiting room or during recovery.
Support after an abortion
After an abortion it can help to rest, to have someone check in on you and to give yourself time. If you want to talk, the clinic that provided care can often refer you to counseling. Talklines in several countries offer conversations without judgment about any feelings after an abortion.
If sadness, anxiety or sleeplessness lasts for weeks, or you think about harming yourself, talk to a doctor or call a crisis line such as 988 in the United States or 116 123 in many EU countries. Our abortion aftercare guide covers physical recovery and warning signs.
Practical and financial support
Support is also practical. Abortion funds and practical support organizations help pay for care, travel, accommodation and childcare, and can make the logistics less overwhelming. See our abortion funds guide and the abortion cost guide. If you need to travel, the travel for abortion guide explains legal care abroad.
Find support organizations in the directory
The directory lists support organizations next to clinics, including counseling services, helplines and practical support, with the area they cover, the languages staff speak and how to reach them. Every entry comes from the organization's own published information, with the source and the date we verified it.
Your privacy while looking for support
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Questions about abortion support
Is it normal to feel sad after an abortion?
Yes, sadness is one of many common feelings, often alongside relief. For most people strong feelings ease over time, and support helps.
Who can I talk to if I do not want to tell family?
You can talk to a counselor at the clinic, a helpline or a support organization from the directory. In many EU countries 116 123 offers emotional support.
Do I have to tell my partner?
In most countries an adult does not need anyone's consent or notification. The law card shows the rules where you are, including for minors.
Where can I find support in my language?
Filter the directory by the languages staff speak. Each country card also lists verified helplines for that country.