Abortion Support

As CL, I just wanted to give everyone a few reminders about posting on this board. We've had some things crop up lately. I think I'd be remiss in my duties if I didn't mention a few things. Thank you everyone. I just want to make sure we keep these things in mind moving forward.

First, I'd just like to remind everyone that this is first and foremost an abortion *support* board. While I'm not saying every post has to be gushy and flowers, this is a place to share knowledge about abortions and our experiences. It is not a place for criticism, for second guessing reasons or decisions, or for insulting other posters regarding those things. If you can't be supportive, please just don't post.

Second, this is not a place for commercial postings or advertising. Personal solicitation of posters is not appropriate. If you have a link or a resource you'd like to share that's fine. However, repeated commercial posts will be reported to the CM's for removal.

And finally, for refreshing, here are the "Board Guidelines:"

The purpose of this board is to provide support to women who have decided to have an abortion, have questions about abortion procedures or who have had an abortion. This is NOT the place to debate abortion or attempt to influence other women's opinions about the issue.

Posts with links outside iVillage should also reflect the purpose of this board. If they lead to a site that is designed to dissuade, discourage, or upset women who have had or are considering abortion, the posts will be removed.

If you want to debate the issue or are undecided and looking for advice on what to do regarding your unplanned pregnancy, please visit the following boards:
· Abortion Debate
· Unplanned Pregnancy

Resources:

Planned Parenthood Toll-free Number: 1-800-230-PLAN
National Abortion Federation Hotline: 1 800 772-9100 (English and Spanish)

Thank you everyone. I appreciate the good work everyone is doing, but just want to make sure we keep these things in mind moving forward.

I realize I am one of a few voices here that does ask women to think deeply on their decision.

I feel that it is truly supportive of the long term well-being of the women who post here to encourage them to thoroughly examine their reasons, evaluate all possible options and to be very honest about all the things people didn't say to me about abortion in an effort to be "supportive."

I hope you'll agree that we need ALL voices on this issue.

Thanks.

one last thing-- the other message boards you recommend are largely made up of women who have NOT, in fact, had abortions--this one is... I would rather hear of and participate in real experiences than the rhetoric and polarized hyper-moralizing of those who have never been there.

but I completely agree with you that women who haven't experienced abortion personally or aren't pregnant and actively considering abortion, as well as those who are advertising paid services, should stay far away from our message board.

thank you reinersrock, for the friendly reminder and making sure that this is a place for real experiences.

Bluer, I don't have a problem with asking someone to really think about what they want. To really think about what their reasons are. To look at whether things are long or short term. Not to rush into a decision. That's all really healthy, good advice. My point is that how you (not "you Bluer" but "you everyone in general) phrase all of the things above can be really important in someone reading it as an attack, or a criticism, or some supportive, constructive encouragement and advice.

So while I agree that all voices are good, and it's important not to just be rosy and wonderful cheerleaders and instead to really help someone with the decision, I'm just asking that people (in general, not necessarily you specifically) take some time to make sure the tone of the message is supportive, and not critical or overly harsh.

Remember that this is a hard time in our lives. Some of the posters here may be a little more "raw" just due to the nature of hormones, emotions, and the immense nature of the decision. I'm asking people take that into account before posting too. This is a "support" board. Criticism, harsh questioning, and judgment are plenty prevalent outside this board. It doesn't have to rule here too.

Hopefully that makes sense.