--- title: The Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline date: 2023-07-06T03:00:00-04:00 author: OBOS Admin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-miscarriage-and-abortion-hotline" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# The Miscarriage and Abortion Hotline It can be hard to go through a self-managed abortion alone. This confidential helpline provides clinical guidance and emotional support for anyone undergoing miscarriage or self-managed abortion. > You can remain completely anonymous as you won’t be asked for any identifying information. Our volunteer providers are some of the country’s leading experts in abortion care. They will help support you by answering your questions with empathy and medical expertise. [View the site ](https://mahotline.org/) ![matilda-wormwood-4100710](data:image/png;base64,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) Matilda Wormwood/Pexels ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ abortion](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/abortion) - [ access to abortion](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/access-to-abortion) - [abortion (self-managed)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/abortion-self-managed) - [abortion pills](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/abortion-pills) - [miscarriage](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/miscarriage) - [support](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/support) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Mental Health Issues MB describes her struggle coming to terms with mental health issues. She shares how her parents hindered her from getting help, but her friends supported her. ![Marisa](data:image/png;base64,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) MB describes her struggle coming to terms with mental health issues. She shares how her parents hindered her from getting help, but her friends supported her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-dealing-with-mental-health-issues) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## If I Had Listened to Abortion Protesters, Things Would Be Different A'yen talks about the forces that tried to prevent her from getting an abortion and how grateful she is that she was able to make the choice that was best for her. ![abortiontshirt](data:image/png;base64,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) A'yen talks about the forces that tried to prevent her from getting an abortion and how grateful she is that she was able to make the choice that was best for her.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-if-i-had-listened-to-abortion-protesters-things-would-be-different) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## “I’ve got bad news for you” A woman shares her emotions and struggles after learning that one of the twins that she was pregnant with had died. ![A sad pregnant woman in front of a dark curtain](data:image/png;base64,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) A woman shares her emotions and struggles after learning that one of the twins that she was pregnant with had died.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-pregnancy-loss-ive-got-bad-news-for-you) [ResourcesRead ## Dear Black Women: An Affirmation Movement for Black Women by Black Women A collection of positive affirmations and pep talks for Black women, by Black women. ![Pexels rodnae productions black women family scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) A collection of positive affirmations and pep talks for Black women, by Black women.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/affirmations-an-affirmation-movement-for-black-women-by-black-women) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Healing From Years of Infertility and Loss A woman shares her six year journey with infertility, including attempts to become pregnant through IUI and IVF. After several losses, she had a daughter via IVF using a donor egg. ![infertility](data:image/png;base64,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) A woman shares her six year journey with infertility, including attempts to become pregnant through IUI and IVF. After several losses, she had a daughter via IVF using a donor egg.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-healing-from-years-of-infertility-and-loss) [ResourcesRead ## Afiya Peer Respite Center Afiya, one of about a dozen peer-run respite centers in the U.S., provides alternatives to psychiatric hospitalization and other more invasive or disruptive treatments. ![pexels-tim-mossholder-942317](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAENklEQVRIiV2WwZLkyA1DH0C1f9fhu398PZWAD0zVzK5CUV0VahFMEgCp//7n36W0IclJP6efk8/J+fRzmk97ysHBqcsUg1WrqDhx4nx8fvn80vnL+Z/OX8ov+nkKQAWF/URICBAI3i8V0h/fAdG+/3MvSfsHSegF+N66adVDaU37pmAwfT+rF7roRrwZyMKSwU9VoKWiUuu2hVbFNC0FqiK6ACKiIpWhkjbh72VsMoInb4mKgiMCxSV9k+dmoVatiDAEVFJtdhbd0COOeASqnnPzo6gicnDUiNBCudEBAhWBlLNPwsI2slUbi8fbjPo5ek8gKkfERIpVEVRtuWghvNGDqhOBWlrVqmWLEZVQpc5zKNJtgBW7o9i1IleqNrpof0d3UODAtqssACNqodgMzfMRLIZVuzMZZ6bj2pGjZQlN+7fon9u+Dt0mbO6PIiuiap+jgiqQOu64z5NnOk/seqplIqQkPdHnoHNp/7s+oxZGkSR1ecbzuVwW7wk60+en82SmnivY0m76p7LQCkcpKStwRiBtNXoBzqtNbg3deTpPn6fPUw92V7FtHbRCW1mWhJRGnSu4jf4FyBdAy7Fh3Jk+T+fpTO1rBikKmBePpBMSOi+lIYVS/gHwCt3C0xk8zDAPdrViKjpX94k2+gVY+a+Pbfr3el6L+sIYCxubGcZoJJUlPMzb7USTTpqQ4Gmv/fV1AODRN3cJqa+p1H7xzBokvXW368GpT8eNm3ktUc3y4XrsPwG0zfieS2I9puunaozvKTvTkzqdTbtdx9ofC7DM+nr61dT3brNjQmjf2VPal9Z2x4ntSTFq8jeAZ1mhG3oruFea1MpalN5XNhlVjoQtj6Zpxc1mVbMRn+c7Jf7Ium0SZS3hzhR9n3WHm5Brx5Ydj0r6J0DVPj/vFPzKtUlyHJ8rwraW1m9vA/fWrZVlH1ftWYImd4yg54clyZtfkiTnRH7NxpUj65Zys9gqLeuMR+5p1R5aRGok+vxLvq27AkpOonOuoNpxNFuQ15tfqu+stGmPzVuZHa8B0efn7fA+ShrOoVqfmUnGPv6NcSucu0O4Ki8MDdXsDG0Fz8/mddNvOGnVkNTuOePJUsWDjFwUlLvgIJndFBpydTMiQu3zc0cuUdPm9ChkB5xj+40uP/LgqdwLA+Clk7KkajSiYCr6PPLtbkk3h3dEisjHth/NMMXt7KuKCOsuRBoZ5bryeiaV+jzLH3Cb9jTvbEzAljWao/wo1xuLaoWJbpW8NpzlFQNrG2qfeQH2N0lznGOOV0+28ii7GwmMUtxpcXn5yp+exu4zoo+vhptrPXWOz8c9aizZO6GEjAafZqq2W80dAN919h3V3x5Y3MVtcVqnTpSjHgkyKmA8+Ox44Q6wJavexWN18YVA8Oiu1Hfp3R2NLkCgMkg0JF+TuRCb5ztdupV5I67Q/g/scQDOSkeW4wAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) Afiya, one of about a dozen peer-run respite centers in the U.S., provides alternatives to psychiatric hospitalization and other more invasive or disruptive treatments.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/afiya-peer-respite-center) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## I Expected to Hear the Baby’s Heartbeat Catherine shares the story of her first miscarriage, discussing her emotions at the time and other experiences of grief and loss that it triggered. ![Catherine-McKinley](data:image/png;base64,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) Catherine shares the story of her first miscarriage, discussing her emotions at the time and other experiences of grief and loss that it triggered.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-i-expected-to-hear-the-babys-heartbeat) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## I Figured I was Guaranteed a Smooth Pregnancy Lara shares the story of her first miscarriage. She wrote a book hoping to prepare others to be realistic about pregnancy and the possibilty of a miscarriage. ![Lara-Freidenfelds](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAFPElEQVRIiY1W245ctxGsbnJuuyspFvyUII/5/y/JaxAggINYjozA0u7Kmss5ZHdVHsiZXQVwEqLnkDyXqq5uDtn2l7/+WRCTmdl7b62ty7osy+V8vlzOy/l4OR/Xy7Etx+gn5eKWtZbtbrffPxzu3t7dv7u7f3e4f3d393Z/eLM/PGx3d9vdvtZdqRv34gCg2+XW/Uazl95eZi9tfK1XIFUQIEGQNCaAxiuSXmhlL9C6kd1uXl8cABNOUp0oGo807cWNOb3hmsHstQIZ5ofDndtwEryefNOunPZiAOSQAw747aZuUZA4fyLpglRJQSAlkS/wY0hc1RlkNhEdcNMUIRn0KiQkRZIUSMDqFYqi5pPrWBJEiAYa5CBMbjcR8hcFxBV9gCQJUrLK6fxs4vRBIjQ4hgIOZ/1mgkkmmgR+4yKT5ol0c6tMCpqkr7qrmpQSyqlDdKPDfVBCJoGEKFKZZGbSPOV0pAvfKshvaMSUOL63K4fPiNElo8CRW958z0x4FgvJ6KiZkyCTTOYY5ZwrU0wwobRhuIZFNBEiSA3PMjMTmbAU0mTmqpkJgfPpaIMoJydTDDHBcCVcJjOmkRiZzNQV3SLgIRSDm2CmmkFAJDOYyYzMTEbOQQYzyFCGMaQABBomeuomNzMj4UkLRzG5EWasmYSuHkSOa+RgiIxgdkYou2U3dUkyUwll3owZOXy3cIShGM1ScK8ZqakgY6BHXK8R0SM6oyFWy9XQJMhMESzBqTUsEh7ycOuGYnIUoMjMa8wc3NAnR0RE7xE9e2M0xeq5mFq6FVnatpTICC9hEeghD/du2EDd6CiAE+Y1Y66iSEZkRPaJHL336C16Y1vQL54nYDX3kNy26d1LNw+UkHdaGMLUbKxkF7zAvUZQ0FgDgyAiB/o4f2JdtF7Qj57Pwgm+McqxMz/AO7wPdEc3NLAgHQm55AXXECnJjOyRvcew1nprra1rrAuXI/pjyZ8JqAAUtIcdYAdZr9YTzbExVWRRmgIqhBXdQpTMjGuIerTeW+ttbeu6xHLKy7O1nz2wAViB7WfwHrgXGtFo3dVN3diUjjQV0VM2FVASk32iZ+/RWrTWlnVdL0s/f83z37GgBALIDbQD8wP1lrhPrInmaqYNWFBdBSyUp7wILzlgJHtwZLj1vq59XdbL+dSOn/MInVA6NkBskQdkiHym3lTdVa3OrWVFuKqpSs6hQGZzL0re4pOtZ1tjWdvlspxPx/XXj/0R+oTyhC3Q3yPeIzsyfwq93+i+an8lKKjGSRAcBCNEmWOZsgdHhtelnc+X09fn0y9oP4BAAXbA4RH9EfEHRCL0ZcOHyn3JmwKMBNArzWVWk9JcRVNE67m2uCztfLr8+vSPLz/gCHSgAvfAA/AA9H+ir+j505bfbXhXcmdRsXVUcBIEzYVriCKHsUf2nmuLZWnH4/nxA34Ejq8qn98D3wMN6J/QM3f6uuF9zZ1HRR8EZKm0QnPBXymYf2a2nq3FZWlfvxx/PH6DDuAj8BH4E/AeeHjCQZ+3fFdzX2JjO1eFKumZk+AaIl53xrFhrC0ul/706fk/0G/tb8Afge+Bh+fnPU4b3tXYWndswCKWpBXCaVYpiEoppeSIElvPy9I/fH78DXwA+AC0yXHa2ZuaO+8FW1MFvaQXwjjKFup28M2juwcvS8R/gQcA/AtIIPHl8PTdFq38rmLv2oBe05NwApW4FmTX+mjoWNb/iQ8AnwDH13fo+6deLSyKtpYFdM+hALM0vZV+s8Zpnf8PAYBfgO3YRB7TjCCzZLoSTuDfQaL+CiSAKQIAAAAASUVORK5CYII=) Lara shares the story of her first miscarriage. She wrote a book hoping to prepare others to be realistic about pregnancy and the possibilty of a miscarriage.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-i-figured-i-was-guaranteed-a-smooth-pregnancy)