While abortion rights are under debate around the world, we at ATSO firmly believe in supporting a person’s right to autonomy and choice, as every situation is different and unique in its own way.
Regardless of the decision someone comes to and how they arrive at that decision, abortion can be very tough on the body and mind. So sending an abortion care package to support your loved one is a great way to let them know they’re not alone, you love them, and things will get better.
‘What to Include in an Abortion Care Package’ graphic by Kenise, ATSO
Here are some ideas for what to include in an abortion care package to help support your loved one!
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1. A heartfelt and ridiculous, funny short letter.
‘A heartfelt and ridiculous, funny short letter’ graphic by Kenise, ATSO
Tell them that you are there for them and love them always no matter what. Customize your letter for your loved one, and if you think more of a lighthearted tone is appropriate, then go for it! If more of a serious note is needed, then again, go for it! Whatever will comfort and support your friend and loved one best.
A helpful word/definition to keep in mind when writing this letter is ‘zygote’. A zygote is a diploid cell (a cell containing two complete sets of chromosomes, one from each parent) resulting from the fusion of a sperm and egg (thank you Oxford Dictionary for the definition). A zygote is different from a baby as a zygote is a cell, the most basic unit of life. In other words, it’s a blueprint, not a baby.
A letter can add a personal, comforting, and loving touch to any abortion care package.
2. A heating pad or preferably an adorable and soft heating stuffed animal.
Photo of heating pad stuffed animal, axolotl, via Amazon
Cramps are a common side effect of abortions, and they can be very painful. A heating pad is an excellent remedy for cramps, and can help immediately alleviate pain! Heating pads come in many different styles. Some are adhesive and portable so you can wear them on the go, some are in blanket form, and some look like an adorable stuffed animal.
All options are great, and I recommend going for the one that would work best for your friend or loved one and your budget.
3. A bath bomb to help them unwind.
‘Include a bath bomb for relaxation’ graphic by Kenise, ATSO
In my opinion, a bath is an underrated tool for overall wellness, both physical and mental. Baths can release aches and pains, when combined with Epsom salts they can remove toxins from the body, and with a calming bath bomb, baths can be elevated to a spa-like relaxing experience.
Bath bombs come in all shapes, sizes, scents, and colors. I recommend choosing the one that reminds you most of your friend or loved one you are sending this abortion care package to!
4. Some yummy protein bars (all delicious flavors welcome).
Photo of Quest chocolate brownie protein bars via Amazon
Protein is very important for abortion recovery. While protein comes in many different forms, protein bars are a fun and easy-to-ship option to include in an abortion care package. Some protein bars come in delicious, dessert-inspired flavors, so make sure to pick some of your friend or loved one’s favorites!
5. Some seaweed crisps!
Photo of gimme seaweed crisps via Amazon
Omega-3s are another very important ingredient for abortion recovery. Omega-3s are often found in fish, but I would not advise shipping fish in the mail. So instead, opt for seaweed crisps! They come in many flavors (my favorite is avocado oil), are easy to ship, eco-friendly, and will help support your friend or loved one’s recovery!
6. Include some flavorful oatmeal!
Photo of raisin and spice oatmeal via Amazon
Oatmeal is a great source of iron, a very important ingredient for abortion recovery, and as a plus, it is a super warm and comforting meal! While oatmeal comes in many different flavors, my personal favorite is cinnamon with raisins.
When adding oatmeal packets to your abortion care package, make sure to enclose them in a sandwich bag so they don’t spill onto the rest of the abortion care package.
7. Some mac n cheese!
Photo of Kraft mac n cheese via Amazon
Mac n cheese is one of the all-time favorites when it comes to comfort meals. Not only is this a great comfort food, but it’s also a great source of calcium, which is another super important ingredient for abortion recovery.
You can either send the regular-size boxes of mac n cheese or the smaller microwavable versions.
8. A random snack item that you know is one of their favorites or something they have been wanting to try!
Random snack graphic by Kenise, ATSO
This will help you personalize their abortion care package, plus add an extra delicious note to the abortion care package! This snack can be anything that will put a smile on your friend or loved one’s face. Feel free to sneakily ask them their favorite if you need ideas!
9. Some comfortable and soft fuzzy socks!
Photo of fuzzy socks via Amazon
After an abortion, rest is a very important part of the recovery process. A nice, new pair of comfy, soft, fuzzy socks will help encourage your loved one to relax and kick their feet up! If your friend or loved one can be clumsy like me, then I do advise opting for a pair of soft and fuzzy socks that also have grips on the bottom to prevent them from slipping and sliding.
If you don’t have the time to make the care package from scratch but still want to send some love and support, then I recommend using a site like HappyBox! Pick what you want, and they’ll make and send the care package for you!
Thank you for reading, and thank you for being so caring and loving! Happy abortion care package making!
Always yours,
Sara, ATSO
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