By Lindsay Caldwell, Resident in Counseling
This month’s article continues on from a previous post about women’s rights and access to healthcare related to abortion procedures. For part two, we will focus on issues related to advocacy and ethics.
Advocating for reproductive rights and supporting those who need abortion care can be daunting. With the legalities changing from state to state, it’s hard to know where you stand and how to help. If you want to get involved, there are many options. If you have the financial means, donating to local abortion clinics is a great way to support reproductive rights. You can also volunteer to be an abortion clinic escort to protect and support someone who needs it. It’s important to stay up to date on state legislation and it’s crucial to provide accurate, non-biased data because misinformation can lead to significant harm. Another thing we can do, aside from taking care of each other and ourselves, is to vote!
To support those who need abortions, you can:
• Help them get accurate information• Offer to go with them, drive them home, make sure they have the necessary products for after-care, or watch their kids for a few hours• Remind them that anything they may be feeling is valid and okay• Don’t talk to other people about the situation without permission• Help them find counseling services if needed.
Professional counselors have an ethical obligation to uphold client autonomy while also ensuring that we do no harm. We help our clients to evaluate benefits and risks based on their individual world view, so that they can make informed decisions about their own care. We also have a responsibility to keep ourclients safe while they navigate deeply personal challenges, including the decision to access abortion care. If you or someone you know is struggling making such a decision or any feelings you have afterwards, Counseling Connect is currently accepting clients. Call us today at 540-315-1445 or book online at https://counselingconnect.clientsecure.me/. We look forward to connecting with you!