By Alasdaire Fleitas
Volunteer Contributor, Save the Storks
Universities have long served to cultivate and influence young minds in hopes of a greater and brighter future. Yet, in some cases, conversations around abortion are being introduced without fully exploring the emotional, physical, and long-term realities many women face or the support available to them.
According to Fox News, Institutions such as the University of North Carolina are taking new approaches to conversations around abortion, further shaping how young women are introduced to these topics on campus.
In November 2025, the University of North Carolina hosted the “Young Abortion Support Group” on its campus to train young women (including young teenagers) to work as abortion doulas.
This 6-week intensive course instructs young women on how to support women during their abortions (both surgical and chemical).
What is a doula?
“Doulas” are sought by pregnant women for support during the emotional and painful experience of childbirth. The doula supports the woman during and after labor, coaching her on helpful breathing exercises, movement techniques, and breastfeeding strategies.
Abortion Doula vs Birth Doula: What’s the Difference?
As opposed to birthing doulas who assist the woman during labor, abortion doulas are either employees at an abortion clinic or volunteers. These abortion doulas escort the woman and guide her through the physical and emotional pain that often transpires during pregnancy termination.
Pro-choice individuals would like to frame this as “women supporting women”. But this role stands in contrast to that of a traditional doula, who walks alongside women during pregnancy with the hope of welcoming new life into the world.
But the existence of an “abortion doula” points to a deeper truth. Abortion is not a simple or easy decision. It carries emotional weight, physical risks, and lasting impact on women across the country.
Why Are Abortion Doula Trainings Targeting Young Women?
The abortion support group affiliated with UNC focuses on women between the ages of fourteen and 24.
This is a formative season of life. Young women are still developing their understanding of relationships, health, and their future. In moments like these, access to honest information, compassionate care, and real support matters deeply.
These abortion groups not only train women on how to become abortion doulas, but they also encourage them to start chapters on their own campuses.
This normalization of abortion raises important questions about how higher education institutions are guiding women. Increasingly, we’re seeing a systemic effort among institutions to discourage motherhood. Instead, they’re promoting a practice that has historically harmed women’s overall health.
Read Next: The Real Effects of Abortion on Mental Health
What Support Do Women Need During an Unplanned Pregnancy?
Young women deserve to receive information on alternatives to abortion that may better safeguard their mental health. Rather than being trained to navigate abortion experiences, they should have access to information, resources, and care that help them understand all of their options and feel supported in their decision-making.
Many women have pinpointed their abortion as a pivotal moment leading to a decline in their mental health. These doulas and abortion rights groups posture as advocates for a woman’s right to choose. But if they sincerely cared about women, they would give a voice to the many women who regret their abortions and help other women avoid such heartbreak.
At Save the Storks, we believe every woman deserves to feel supported, informed, and never alone. Through Mobile Medical Clinics and trusted partners, we come alongside women with compassionate care, real resources, and the space to ask questions and explore their options.
Because every woman deserves care that meets her where she is and walks with her toward a hopeful future
