Overview

Every year approximately 180,000 women undergo abortions. Making the decision to terminate a pregnancy is both difficult and painful. Written for professionals who provide support and information to women faced with this decision Pregnancy and Abortion Counselling covers the key elements which make up good practice. Using many case examples, Joanna Brien and Ida Fairbairn examine the wider issues that contribute to an unwanted pregnancy and the client's decision about termination. They provide information on how to answer questions regarding methods of abortion and the development of the foetus, and give advice on how to structure sessions to meet the particular needs of each client. Guidance is given on dealing with special situations, such as a client who is HIV positive, a victim of rape or suffering from depression. Drawing the distinction between social and medical terminations, the authors examine the various methods of screening and types of foetal abnormality that can be detected. A chapter devoted to counselling after abortions focuses on the client's experience of loss and the difficulties of coming to terms with her decision. Current legislation relating to contraception and abortion is outlined and set against the moral and ethical debate which practitioners as well as their patients must confront. The book gives special attention to the experience of professionals working in the field, how they cope with the pressures and the benefits of supervision.

Full Product Details

9780415122788

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Reviews

'This book should prove interesting and helpful for all those of whatever profession who deal with women unhappy, or ambivalent about their pregnancy...providing a wide range of factual information and defining and describing the counselling approach with particular regard to accidental pregnancy...the book is very readable and can be dipped into and has a wealth of useful references.' - British Journal of Fertility Planning 'A useful handbook.' Abortion Review

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