Abortion related posts- everyone read!

[JoyRenee]

This is a note to everyone. We've had a few random abortion-related posts recently and I'm shocked by many responses. This is a controversial subject so the best way to approach such posts is in a neutral or loving manner. It doesn't matter if you're pro-life, pro-choice or are on the fence in your beliefs. The fact is someone is coming here seeking help and we need to offer support regardless of your personal views.

I am extremely pro-life so I volunteered a crisis pregnancy center about a year ago. I took a few courses on how best to speak with someone who is contemplating abortion or how to help support someone who has had one in the past. People- the way you speak to them is in love and support. You can talk to them about the baby they are carrying ("Did you know your baby has a heartbeat and can wave their tiny little arms and legs?") or even how abortion procedures are done if they want to know and you can even help encourage adoption. But in no way can you harass them, judge them or attack their character.

Also, abortion is a pregnancy-related topic even if it is hurtful to many women with fertility issues (like me) or who are actively TTC. Women contemplating abortion ARE pregnant. Therefore they are allowed to post their questions here and get the same support as all of you. Many times they are scared, confused, don't know what to do, desperate, etc. and just need a sounding board. Typically women who as thinking about abortion don't REALLY want to do it because if they did they wouldn't waste time getting opinions on forums. They are simply looking for alternatives and are scared. In the past we've had many women choose to keep their babies rather than abort because our members posted in such amazing and loving ways, offering support. That is how you save unborn babies; not by attacking them or throwing YOUR beliefs in their face. These women don't care what you believe- they just need options.


Ultimately MedHelp's Terms of Use state that you are NOT to:  Post material that is unlawful, obscene, derogatory, defamatory, threatening, harassing, abusive, slanderous, hateful, or embarrassing to any other person or entity as determined by MedHelp in its sole discretion.

If you cannot find something helpful to say then please refrain from posting on abortion-related posts. Thank you!

Joy
Community Leader

[JoyRenee]

Julia- it's a non issue now so don't worry about it anymore. We talked it through and I know how you feel. I'm talking about different posts recently and like to periodically address this issue anyway so we're all on the same page.

[julianovak]

sorry guys i know i vented a bit, but i honestly did not know that there was no abortion forum..............

[AHP84]

True, but even a forum focused on "options" would attract zealots from both sides, and it would be disastrous more than helpful because EVERY post would turn into an argument.

[Ashelen]

Oh yeah I can see why they wouldn't want to open that can of worms...I didn't even consider and outside group coming in and storming with responses, I was only considering internal responses....Maybe they could start a "Pregnancy Options" forum or something....something that Right to Life CAN'T accuse of being pro-abortion because it also discusses adoption? Idk....that's tough.

[Rosa20]

WOW well hopefully they change there minds and maby consider it...there definently (sp) is a need for one!!

[AHP84]

And this one explains more:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Improve-MedHelp-Suggestions/abortion-forum/show/785224