Counselling is important to help clients make informed decisions by understanding their options (abortion versus becoming a parent, and medication abortion versus procedural abortion). During the counselling, it is also important to understand clients’ preferences and circumstances to advise the best course of action.

Medication abortion is suitable for patients who[6]:

• Prefer a non-invasive method.
• Prefer to have an abortion in the comfort of their home.
• Have the confidence of being able to manage the process and side effects at home.
• Are able to take 1 to 3 days off work or other responsibilities to undergo the abortion process.
• Lack means of transportation to travel to the clinic for a procedural abortion (but still have access to emergency services in event of complications).

Procedural abortion is suitable for patients who[6]:

• Prefer to have in-person support and monitoring from healthcare professionals at a clinic or hospital.
• Want to have the abortion completed quickly to return to work or other responsibilities.
• Are comfortable with the use of medical instruments and internal exams.
• Are comfortable undergoing local or general anesthesia to manage pain.
• Do not want to disclose the pregnancy and the abortion to those patients live with (such as partners, roommates, co-workers), as it might be difficult to conceal heavy bleeding and strong cramps.