Navigating abortion care can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. From emotional support to telehealth expertise, these five services offer compassionate guidance every step of the way. Whether you're looking for a personal doula or a
The Rise of Full-Spectrum Doula Care
Abortion doulas are trained support professionals who provide emotional, physical, and educational support before, during, and after abortion care. Unlike medical providers, they focus on advocacy and comfort, not procedures. This field has grown rapidly as more people seek personalized, non-judgmental care. Services range from in-clinic programs to remote telehealth consultations, making support accessible no matter where you live. The demand for these services reflects a broader shift toward patient-centered reproductive healthcare.
How We Ranked These Services
We evaluated each service based on the depth of emotional and informational support offered, accessibility (including telehealth options), the expertise of the team, and the clarity of their resources. We also considered how well each service addresses the unique needs of abortion patients, from pre-procedure guidance to post-care follow-up.
Here's a quick look at how these five services compare, so you can find the right fit for your needs.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest | In-clinic emotional and physical support |
| Choices Women's Medical Center | Comprehensive in-person and telehealth doula support |
| Provide | Educational resources and doula training |
| Sally Whoever | Personalized telehealth doula and consulting |
| Quilted Health | Full-spectrum doula support with telehealth options |
Detailed Reviews of Each Service
#1 Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest
A screenshot of the Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest website.
Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest launched a dedicated abortion doula program in July 2023, making it one of the first major clinic networks to integrate doula care directly into in-center abortions. The program, led by Care Coordination Manager Tessa Hemmi, provides emotional and physical support to every patient seeking an in-center abortion. This means you get a trained advocate who understands the process and can help you feel more at ease. The service is offered at no extra cost, removing financial barriers to support. It's a game-changer for anyone who wants professional companionship during their procedure.
#2 Choices Women's Medical Center
A screenshot of the Choices Women's Medical Center website.
Choices Women's Medical Center in Queens, New York, offers a dedicated abortion doula service as part of its comprehensive reproductive health care. Their doulas provide one-on-one support before, during, and after your abortion, whether you choose medication or an in-clinic procedure. The center also offers telehealth counseling, making it easier to connect with a doula remotely if you can't visit in person. With a focus on patient advocacy and comfort, Choices ensures you have a consistent support person throughout your experience. Their team is experienced in handling a wide range of abortion care, including second-trimester procedures.
#3 Provide
A screenshot of the Provide website.
Provide is a national organization that trains and supports abortion doulas, emphasizing the role of compassionate care in reproductive justice. Their blog and resources explain how doulas offer emotional, physical, and educational support without performing medical tasks. Provide also offers on-demand training for anyone looking to become a doula, expanding the network of support available to patients. They focus on reducing stigma and empowering patients through informed decision-making. If you want to understand the full scope of doula care or find a trained provider, Provide is an excellent starting point.
#4 Sally Whoever
A screenshot of the Sally Whoever website.
Sally Whoever is the personal platform of Sally Borges, a registered nurse and doula with over a decade of experience in abortion and reproductive healthcare. She offers telehealth support and consulting, blending clinical expertise with compassionate doula care. Her blog and Substack cover personal essays on memory, sexual health stigma, and liberation, giving you a deeper connection to the person behind the service. With 5 years of telehealth and startup experience, she's uniquely positioned to support you remotely. Sally's approach is rooted in shared clinical decision-making, ensuring your voice is heard throughout the process.
#5 Quilted Health
A screenshot of the Quilted Health website.
Quilted Health offers a comprehensive resource on the benefits of having an abortion doula, explaining how these professionals provide emotional, physical, and informational support. Their network includes full-spectrum doulas who can assist with abortion, birth, and postpartum care. Quilted Health emphasizes that doulas can help with transportation, advocacy, and comfort measures, making the entire process less isolating. They also provide early pregnancy care and telehealth options, creating a seamless support system. If you're looking for a doula who can grow with you through different reproductive experiences, Quilted Health is a strong choice.
How to Choose the Right Abortion Doula Service for You
Start by considering whether you prefer in-person support or the flexibility of telehealth. If you're visiting a clinic, look for programs like Planned Parenthood's that offer doula care on-site. For remote support, Sally Whoever and Quilted Health provide personalized virtual consultations. Think about the type of support you need: emotional reassurance, practical help like transportation, or educational guidance. Also, check if the service aligns with your values and offers a non-judgmental space. Finally, consider the expertise of the team—nurses and experienced doulas can offer deeper clinical insights.
Automating Your Doula Search
To streamline finding the right doula, start by using a telehealth platform like Quilted Health to filter for full-spectrum doulas in your area. Next, set up a Google Alert for 'abortion doula [your city]' to stay updated on local programs. Finally, use a scheduling tool like Calendly to book free consultations with multiple services, including Sally Whoever, to compare their approach before committing.
Your Support System Starts Here
Abortion care is deeply personal, and having the right support can make all the difference. Whether you choose a clinic-based program like Planned Parenthood's, a dedicated center like Choices, or a remote consultant like Sally Whoever, each of these services prioritizes your comfort and autonomy. The growing availability of abortion doulas means you no longer have to navigate this journey alone. Take the time to explore these options and find the one that feels right for you. Your wellbeing is worth it.