b'Abortion trauma can be a huge contributor to the lifecontrolling issues that the mother is now facing, and she might not even recognize that her current struggles have their roots in her past abortion. 7.Care for children: 60 percent of women3.Accommodate: Consider any steps you can having abortions are already mothers. Theytake to accommodate pregnant women in know the challenges of supporting youngyour programming.children and appreciate providers in this4.Partner: Ask your local pregnancy-help organi-category, ranging from childcare and parent- zations (pregnancy centers, maternity homes, ing education to pediatricians and short- adoption agencies, abortion recovery centers) term care options. to meet with your staff to share the resources Support her they have available.P lease consider assessing your organiza- 5.Counsel: Train case managers, social workers, tional capacity to serve pregnant womenand/or care coordinators in talking to women and families, and explore ways youstill on the fence about their pregnancies, can be even more prepared to support them.discussing topics such as parenting, adoption, Here are a few ideas:safe haven, and short-term care options. 1.Learn: If you are new to the issue of abortion,You could look at Heartbeat Internationals maybe even uncertain of where you stand onLOVE approach (see the resources sidebar the issue, there are a lot of resources availableon page 21).to you. You can start with our Her PLAN6.Fill gaps: Consider addressing two of the educational Pathways to Life guide. (See biggest needs families face: transportation the resources sidebar on page 21).and childcare.2.Customize programs: Inventory your7.Edit your intake form: Ask about past abortions programs for how they can be customized and miscarriages on your intake form. Abor-for a pregnant client. For example:tion trauma can be a huge contributor to theDoes your food bank carry prenatallife-controlling issues that the mother is now vitamins, gestational-diabetes-friendlyfacing, and she might not even recognize that nutrition guides, and baby formula? her current struggles have their roots in her past abortion. Does your thrift store have a section for8.Offer abortion recovery groups: As the issue diapers, maternity clothes, and babyof abortion has increased in the news, women clothes and supplies?may be triggered and begin facing the traumaIs your addiction program ready to serveof their past abortions. Furthermore, 50 per-pregnant women?cent of abortions are repeat abortions, so \x02 20 WWW.CITYGATENETWORK.ORG NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2022'