Pregnancy Options Protocol

Question 1

REMEMBER : This is a counseling call
Allow the Caller to open up to the PC using the listening skills.
If the Caller asks for a gynecologist, a doctor for pregnancy or an abortion clinic, CLARIFY that this is for herself (the Caller)
PC: Is this for yourself?
PC: Gynecologists have different specialties, can you tell me a little more ….

Answer 1

• Make sure it is the pregnant woman herself speaking
• If so, how does she feel about being pregnant?
• I f she has concerns, encourage her to talk to you about them

Question 2

Confirmation of Pregnancy

Answer 2

PC
May I ask if you have had the pregnancy confirmed?
Confirmed by a doctor or by a home test?
About how many weeks pregnant do you think you are?

Note that a missed period may or may not indicate pregnancy.

Question 3

Common Signs of Pregnancy

Answer 3

breast tenderness, morning sickness/nausea, fatigue, frequent urination, aversion to certain foods, food cravings, missed period

Question 4

Remember to continue to
Reflect the content of what the she has been telling you
Reflect her Feelings

Answer 4

RC
You mentioned …
You said …
RF
You feel …
You are feeling ...

Question 5

What does she feel her options are?

Answer 5

• EXPLORE her OPTIONS with her and her feelings about them.
• The Caller may be very conflicted about her options and choices. It is OK to REFLECT this.
• It is ver normal to feel confused about your choices.
• EXPLORE her SUPPORT NETWORK, is there anyone she can call or talk?

Question 6

If She Wants To Have The Baby

This is still a counseling call so use the listening skills.

Answer 6

Help Her explore her feelings about this choice.
If She needs this, help her with a referral to a gynecologist for her pregnancy and birth (wikitell directory or Resource file pages 28-29)
Note - There is information in the Pregnancy Options File (pink) on gaving a baby in Japan and what she may need to know.

Question 7

If She is undecided or wants to have an abortion

This is still a counseling call, so help her explore her feelings about this.

Answer 7

Let her know that we do not refer directly for abortions, but offer one of our trained Pregnancy Options Counselors, who can give her all the information she needs and can provide counseling if she would like to have this.

Question 8

Pregnancy Options Counselors

If she is not interested in counseling, the Pregnancy Options Counselor will be willing to give her some good referrals.

Answer 8

The counseling is:

• By telephone, Free of Charge
• Confidential and Neutral
• Provides information on procedures in Japan (what to expect)
• Designed to support the caller in her decision.
• Can be arranged quickly, within a few days