Tip #2: Become a Problem Solver

Immediately start looking for resources to solve her pressing problems, whether they be financial, health care, family and social support, housing, or other issues. If you can help solve these pressing problems, you may eliminate the perceived need for abortion. 40% of women state financial reasons are a primary reason for the choice to have abortion. Focus on this.

Ask questions like, "If you could manage and afford it, would you want to keep the baby?" Our 1st Way director Terry Ianora has shown us a technique that often helps. Without judging or implying that you know what is the right thing to do, get a sheet of paper and draw a line to divide it in half. Ask what the problems and obstacles are, and list them on the left side. On the right, list any reason she gives for wanting to keep her baby, including resources she already has.

Target the list on the left side by providing lists of community resource phone numbers or call them for her.  If she lists a need that church volunteers might fill, check with your church right away. There are a lot of people who want to volunteer as soon as they find out a need they could fill, from babysitting to providing transportation, so consider this. Reassure your friend that where there is a will, there is a way. BE her will in a sense, finding that way, if she cannot do it because of her panic in crisis.