Counseling is usually included as part of the abortion process. Many women feel uncomfortable or unable to talk with friends and relatives, so professional counseling offers a valuable and much-needed resource.
Term “counseling” includes advice, information, support, education and therapy. It is significant that the various types of counseling be given to the woman at the necessary moment, and all information should be confidential.
If possible, counseling offers a woman who is considering abortion a non-judgmental and non-directional chance to work in the course of her feelings and thoughts. Sometimes the partner or parent also asks for access to counseling. The woman should be respected
Numerous studies have exposed that women are more likely to have negative emotional consequences if they feel the decision to finish the pregnancy wasn’t completely theirs to make. In any counseling situation, the fundamental aim is to respect the woman’s feelings and make easy her independent decision-making. Counselors have to be sympathetic and highly taught in interpersonal skills.
Decision-making
Counseling should encourage the woman to make a free and completely informed decision about her pregnancy options. This includes offering information about alternatives in situations where the woman hasn’t yet made up her mind. In general if a woman feels she has made the right decision, she will hardly ever request follow-up counseling.
Information-giving
Details on the logistics of the operation should be offered to all women seeking abortion as a matter of course. The woman will need to talk about such issues as the procedure itself, anesthesia options, and pre and post-operative care. Part of the decision-making process includes being completely informed of the possible complications.
Follow-up counseling
After the abortion, some women want to talk about their experiences to a sympathetic counselor. While follow-up counseling is presented to all women, some decide not to take it. Issues such as physical and emotional recovery and contraceptive options are usually discussed.
Therapy
Sometimes it happens that the experience of an unplanned pregnancy and succeeding abortion is highly shocking. Feelings of grief, guilt, shame, depression and anxiety need to be relieved by a highly taught and skilled counselor. Suitable counseling can reduce the risk of long term psychological damage.
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