I've been doing hotline work quite a bit the past few weeks. You ready for several #pregnancyhelpline stories? I don't care. You're getting them. I find this work gives me a glimpse of reality not seen on Twitter, the news, or any other public outlet. First story:
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The weeks since New Year's have been filled with women seeking abortion. I don't know if data backs up higher numbers of abortions done in January as opposed to December, but anecdotally, it seems that way.
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One thing I've noticed is how many women are so grateful merely to have someone to talk to who takes the time to listen and explain.
One day a couple of weeks ago I had 3 callers in a row seeking the abortion pill.
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One day a couple of weeks ago I had 3 callers in a row seeking the abortion pill.
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Each one afterward expressed thanks for my explaining to them how the process works.
Why? Because no one is taking the time to answer their questions. If they're not walking in to pay for the procedure, no one is explaining how it all works and what to expect beforehand.
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Why? Because no one is taking the time to answer their questions. If they're not walking in to pay for the procedure, no one is explaining how it all works and what to expect beforehand.
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Women are finding it very, very hard to get any normal care right now. Since the pandemic, OBGYNS seem to have no room for any new patients, or won't see a patient until much later in pregnancy than pre-pandemic. Many women have been to the ER or urgent carein the past...
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...with pregnancy concerns. Doctors don't have time or room for them, their concerns are not listened to, and nothing is explained to them even when they *are* seen by someone.
Pregnant women right now are desperate for someone to just give a damn, more so than in the past.
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Pregnant women right now are desperate for someone to just give a damn, more so than in the past.
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So I explain. I am not a medical professional. I cannot advise or diagnose. I can give information.
How the abortion pill process works is not a secret, but I still get lots of questions. I answer what I can and refer elsewhere as needed/appropriate.
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How the abortion pill process works is not a secret, but I still get lots of questions. I answer what I can and refer elsewhere as needed/appropriate.
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"Would you recommend an ultrasound even if it's not required? Why?"
"Is it better to get the pills in person or buy them online? Why?"
"Oh, I didn't know it was 2 different medications." "Oh, I didn't know it could take that long before the last of the bleeding stops."
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"Is it better to get the pills in person or buy them online? Why?"
"Oh, I didn't know it was 2 different medications." "Oh, I didn't know it could take that long before the last of the bleeding stops."
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Over&over I hear: I didn't know. I didn't know. I didn't know.
And: "Thank you for explaining."
Women are not stupid. We aren't weak. But it is outrageous to assume ANYone, even us, to be able to make informed decisions if we're not told anything.
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And: "Thank you for explaining."
Women are not stupid. We aren't weak. But it is outrageous to assume ANYone, even us, to be able to make informed decisions if we're not told anything.
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