Termination for Medical Reasons (TFMR) Resources
If you have experienced a TFMR, you have faced a difficult decision about whether to continue or end your wanted pregnancy. The weight of your diagnosis or your baby's diagnosis may have made it feel like there was no real choice. We understand that TFMR is a decision that no parent wishes to make and that no parent should have to face alone. A sense of belonging and a supportive network can be incredibly valuable sources of comfort.
Are you planning to undergo a TFMR via D&C, D&E, or induction of labor?
We are so sorry that you are living in this terrible space of having to “choose” to end your very wanted pregnancy. The feelings that come along with this are typically huge, overwhelming, and very complicated. We’re here to hold space for you during this difficult time. Please visit our Time of Loss page for information about immediate support and companionship.
We welcome you to read our Making it Through your TFMR pamphlet about the various emotional and physical experiences that can accompany a TFMR. You can read it right here, by scrolling to the bottom of this page. This booklet is informed and written by our Empty Arms community of parents who have experienced a TFMR— people who have faced a variety of heart wrenching decisions, and hope that by sharing their experiences you will feel a little less alone.
We understand that now more than ever, it is increasingly difficult to find safe and legal Termination for Medication Reasons care. If you are looking for a provider, clinic, or financial assistance, please visit our Abortion Resources page.
Following the procedure, if you’re seeking one on one support:
You can check out our Individual Support page.
If you’d like to join a support group:
Read more about our TFMR Support Group, which joins parents who have experienced a termination for medical reasons to discuss thoughts, worries, and ways to process and recover from their loss. The support group allows parents to share their experiences and the complexities that may accompany their loss circumstances.
Please note that our TFMR Support Group is open to nationwide participants, as well as our LGBTQ+ Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group and BIPOC Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group, however our other groups are closed to MA residents (with the exception of our Trying for Another Baby group, open to residents of MA, ME, and VT). You can read more about our other support groups here, and other national organizations below that host online support groups.
You can also explore this collection of online stories/resources:
What It's Like To End A Pregnancy You Hoped For by Catherine Pearson
I Had a Late-Term Abortion. President Trump and Pro-Lifers Have No Right to Call Me a Murderer by Margot Finn
The agony of ending a wanted late-term pregnancy: three women speak out (article)
Termination of Pregnancy for Medical Reasons Facebook Group
Speaking Light into Abortion: TFMR podcast
Terminations Remembered Website with TFMR stories and resources. Check out this story: “To The First Time Mom Who Made The Heartbreaking Choice To Spare Her Baby Pain”
TFMR Mamas: Support Group, Personal Stories and Resources
Ending a Wanted Pregnancy: Support Group, Personal Stories and Resources