Unwanted pregnancy and abortion are situations that are both physically and mentally draining. Every person has 100% rights over their body’s autonomy, so if you are considering an abortion, it’s entirely your choice and decision to make.

However, before you step foot into a reliable and popular abortion clinic, there are multiple factors to prioritize. Mentally and physically preparing oneself is crucial to ensure that the procedure goes as planned and without a hitch.

We will discuss and highlight all the important pointers you should consider to prepare for an abortion – both from a mental and physical standpoint.

1. Research the best clinics

India has very progressive laws when it comes to women’s reproductive rights and that includes abortions. According to the Medical Termination of Pregnancies Act, 1971 (MTP Act), “all women are entitled to safe and legal abortion, regardless of their marital status.”

Under these laws, it isn’t surprising that abortion is done safely, ensuring the optimal psychological safety of the woman undergoing the procedure. That said, familiarizing yourself with the best abortion clinics near you is crucial. This allows you to pick a place with the right equipment, qualified doctors, and a safe environment to get the procedure done.

2. Have realistic expectations

Undergoing an abortion might be an extremely foreign feeling for most women. And, if this is the first time you are planning for this procedure, being anxious about it is quite common.

In fact, you are already making up your mind about certain expectations to experience from the procedure. This is something you have to let go of. There’s no “right way” of knowing how you’d feel during the procedure, so it’s ideal to step inside the clinic with a clear mind and no preconceived expectations.

Also, there are no peer-reviewed papers or scientific research that conclude any psychological risks of complications associated with an abortion, if that’s something you are worried about.

3. Plan for the procedure financially

If you have health insurance that covers abortion procedures, this isn’t a pointer you have to worry about. However, if you don’t have insurance or don’t have one that provides this coverage, planning the finances is another factor you have to prioritize.

Since India doesn’t have any kinds of negative downturns for abortion, chances are that your insurance should cover any kind of surgical or non-surgical procedures that you undergo.

However, if not, you’d need to set aside the money you’d need for the procedure. Ideally, we’d recommend discussing this in detail and openly with your doctor to get a better idea of how much the ballpark figure would be for the entire procedure.

4. Confide in people you trust

Despite progressive laws in India, discussions surrounding abortion are still a stigma in society. So, as a woman, if you are feeling guilty openly discussing the subject, be assured that you aren’t the only one. In fact, several women prefer undergoing the procedure in secrecy to avoid societal discussions.

However, as we said before, planning and undergoing an abortion can weigh heavily on the minds of several people. And, if you are feeling burdened and want to share that weight with someone, we’d recommend discussing more it with people you trust.

Sometimes, it’s better to open up and discuss things with transparency instead of bottling things up. If you aren’t sure how someone will react, you can gauge their reaction by bringing up hypothetical situations and testing the waters a bit.

5. Consult a board-certified doctor

The procedure to get an abortion in India often starts with a doctor’s visit. So, what we’d recommend you do is consult the best gynecologist in Delhi or wherever you live. Depending on their suggestions, you can plan your next steps.

Ideally, you want to consult a doctor who is board-certified, experienced, and is also associated with a hospital or runs their clinic, so you can get the procedure done without a hassle.

Overall, working with an experienced gynecologist ensures that you are in safe hands and also get to go through with the procedure with zero judgment.

6. Get someone to accompany you

If you are worry about how things will progress, it’s always ideal to bring a supportive companion with you on the day of the abortion. Depending on the extent of the procedure, there are chances that you might be under the influence of anesthesia. So, having someone to drive you back is a necessity.

When choosing someone to accompany you, it’s ideal to pick someone who’d be a positive influence at that moment. Bring someone who’d help you calm down and also keep your anxiety in check.

If you don’t have someone who can keep you company, discuss the same with your doctor and they should be able to help you figure things out so you aren’t alone or terrified during and after the procedure.

7. Ask for support from your partner

It is a misconception that all women who get an abortion don’t have a partner with them. There could be hundreds of reasons and circumstances that push a woman to get an abortion.

If your partner is standing there with you by your side, facilitate your needs to them. If you want your partner to distract you from being anxious in the waiting room, tell them that.  You want to eat your heart out after the procedure, convey that to them.

There’s nothing wrong in having set preferences or expectations from your partner before, during, and after the abortion procedure, so ensure that you actively ask for that support from them.

Conclusion

Planning and undergoing an abortion can take a toll on one’s physical and mental health. So, preparing for everything ahead of time is crucial to ensure everything goes as per your plans. Your focus should be on finding ways to keep yourself calm, healthy, and in the best mental space throughout that period in your life. Sometimes, all you need to do is find the best gynecologist in Delhi, have an honest conversation with them, and weigh out your options before the procedure. Queen’s Gynecology streamlines that process for you.