ABORTION MINDED CLIENTS
Let the client know that we do not provide abortions but we can provide them with information about abortion. We can provide her with a free pregnancy test to confirm the pregnancy.
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Talking to the client about abortion
Many clients who call the center for help are convinced that abortion is the only alternative. The helpful volunteer can have a profound impact on the decision-making process by showing compassion and offering support to the caller.
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When a caller suggests abortion is her best option, listen to her reasons for wanting an abortion. Do not trivialize those reasons or offer instant solutions. The client will not hear what you have to say unless she is sure that you have heard and understood her dilemma.
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The best decisions made are based on good information. She needs factual information about fetal development, abortion, and alternatives to abortion. Encourage the client to get all information she can before making such a life-changing decision.
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If you discuss abortion procedures and possible complications, you should remain objective. You need to be knowledgeable about abortion and able to discuss it all the different ways.
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Talk to the client as an individual, with genuineness and empathy. Inflammatory language such as “killing your baby” or “murder” must not be used. In most cases, the client feels frightened and trapped, and is uninformed about what abortion involves.
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When a client knows that you sincerely care about her, that the center offers reliable information, and that support is available, you are then beginning to equip her to make this most important decision.
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Abortion Education
Provide information that is medically accurate and tell the truth, in love, objectively. It is important not to be coercive or use emotional manipulation. Remember, you are not responsible for changing the client’s heart or mind; rather, trust the Holy Spirit for that work.
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Use the pamphlets “Before You Decide” and “the first 9 months” to help describe pregnancy, the baby’s development, and abortion procedures. You may also show the DVD “crossroads” to help the client hear from others that are making or have made a decision about their pregnancy.
We are not a “medical facility” and the pregnancy test is self administered.
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A few milestones:
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Heart beat at 20 days
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Brain wave activity at 4-5 weeks gestation
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At 11 weeks, called a fetus instead of embryo and has all its parts and is about 2 inches long. The baby can yawn and suck
Abortion procedures:
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Manual vacuum aspiration - up to 7 weeks after LMP
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Suction curettage – between 6 to 14 weeks after LMP
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Dilation and evacuation (D&E) – between 13 to 24 weeks after LMP
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Partial Birth - Dilation and extraction (D&X) – from 20 weeks after LMP to full term
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Abortion pill – RU486 Mifepristone (4 weeks to 49 days after LMP)
Risks of abortion:
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Heavy bleeding
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Infection
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Incomplete abortion
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Sepsis
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Anesthesia complications – allergic reaction to medications
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Damage to cervix
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Scarring of the uterine lining
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Perforation of the uterus
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Damage to internal organs
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Death
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Long term impact – future pregnancies; breast cancer; emotion, psychological and spiritual
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Click here for a list of 10 things NOT to do when a woman tells you she wants an abortion.
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