Question 1

What should I do first if I find out I have an undesired pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Confirm your pregnancy with a pregnancy test and call us to schedule an appointment for a pregnancy assessment as well as to discuss your options

Question 2

What options are available to me if I'm not ready to parent?

Accepted Answer

You have several options:  parenting with social supports, adoption, and abortion. Each choice comes with different considerations, and speaking with a counsellor, doctor or social worker might help you decide what's best for you.

Question 3

What are the different types of abortion procedures available?

Accepted Answer

There are primarily two types of abortion: medical and surgical. Medical abortions involve taking medication to end and expel a pregnancy. This is a safe and effective option up to 10 weeks' gestation. Surgical abortions involve a procedure to physically remove the pregnancy from the uterus. At Cabbagetown Women’s Clinic, we provide surgical abortions up to 24 weeks' gestation

Question 4

Do I need a doctor’s referral to book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Not at all.  If you are less than 12 weeks' gestation, feel free to book an appointment online via our website.  Alternatively, you can give our clinic a call to book your appointment. 
If you are over 12 weeks, give our clinic a call so we can go over some things with you prior to booking your appointment.  No referral is needed.

Question 5

How do I know if I'm eligible for an abortion?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for an abortion can depend on factors like the gestational age of the pregnancy and your medical history. Our counsellor and physician can help you answer this question.

Question 6

Is having an abortion safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, abortion is a highly safe procedure when performed by trained medical professionals in a healthcare setting. The risks of complications are low, but, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks, which our counsellor and physician will discuss with you.

Question 7

How common is abortion?

Accepted Answer

There are over 100 000 abortions performed in Canada each year. Abortion is the most common surgical procedure in Canada, and it is very safe. One in three women will have an abortion in her lifetime.

Question 8

Who can I talk to if I have more questions about getting an abortion?

Accepted Answer

At Cabbagetown Women's Clinic we have an on-site counsellor to assist you with understanding the abortion options for your specific situation. If you are having difficulty with deciding whether to abort, we will give you resources to access a trained therapist to help you.  It is very important to be certain and stable in your decision before having any abortive procedure. Please call us or schedule an appointment.

Question 9

Do I need my parent’s or my partner’s permission?

Accepted Answer

You never need your partner's permission to have an abortion. This is legally your decision.
If you are less than 14 years old, we do require an adult to come with you and co-sign your consent.  If you are between 14 and 16 years old you can come talk to our doctor about the consent process, which may require an adult co-signee. 
 
Otherwise, as long as you are over 16 years old, no one else needs to know or approve.

Question 10

Is there a waiting period before I can have my procedure?

Accepted Answer

At Cabbagetown Women's Clinic, procedures are offered on the same day as the initial assessment.  Please allow 3-4 hours for your whole visit, including the procedure.

Question 11

Do I have to pay for the procedure myself or is it covered under my health plan?

Accepted Answer

All services at our clinic are completely covered under OHIP.  If you do not have a valid OHIP card, please call our clinic for a review of expected charges, which you can then recover from your insurance plan if available.

Question 12

Is the procedure going to hurt?

Accepted Answer

Both the medical and surgical abortions can feel crampy, similar to a heavy or painful menstrual period.  During the surgical procedure, we do give you strong pain medication as well as anti-anxiety medication.   
 
If you decide to have the pill abortion, you can take Advil (Ibuprofen) /Tylenlol (Acetaminophen) or Gravol (Dimenhydrinate) at home to make you more comfortable.

Question 13

Am I going to be put to sleep?

Accepted Answer

No.  Our clinic does all procedures under what's known as "conscious sedation".  This means you get medication to help you be calm and not remember, as well as strong medications to control pain.  But it is important to understand that we do not put you to sleep.  We will be talking to you throughout the 5 to 10 minute procedure, and keeping an eye on your comfort level to optimize it.

Question 14

Can I bring someone with me?

Accepted Answer

Usually we allow and encourage a support person in the waiting room and counselling room.  During COVID however, we are mandated by the government to keep only those people needing essential services within the clinic.  We are so sorry and are supportive of your helper waiting outside (or in the car) to where you can visit him/her before or after the procedure.

Question 15

How should I get to the clinic?

Accepted Answer

Please do not drive.  The medications we give you for the procedure may interfere with safe driving.  You can take public transport or get a drive (taxi, Uber, a drive from a love one) or even walk if you are close to us.

Question 16

Will there be protestors? Will I be safe?

Accepted Answer

By Ontario law, protestors are not allowed close to the clinic.  The closest they can come is across the street. During recent years, there are usually no protestors.

Question 17

How long will the appointment take?

Accepted Answer

This depends on how busy we are.  Please allow a minimum of 3-4 hours for the whole visit from beginning to end.  It may take less time, but we cannot guarantee this.  Please know we are trying as hard as we can to get you through this safely, quickly and with TLC (tender loving care /:).

Question 18

What should I bring to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Bring your valid OHIP card, any labwork or ultrasounds that may have been done during this pregnancy (not necessary but bring them if available) and a pad. Otherwise we have all you need.

Question 19

What can I expect during the abortion procedure?

Accepted Answer

The experience can vary depending on the type of abortion. For a medical abortion, you'll take medication and experience symptoms similar to a miscarriage. For a surgical abortion, the procedure is typically short, and you may receive sedation.  A surgical abortive procedure process depends on how advanced your pregnancy is.

Question 20

What should I expect after having an abortion?

Accepted Answer

After an abortion, you will experience period-like bleeding and cramping for a few days. Our clinic will provide detailed aftercare instructions. Most people are able to resume normal activities right away, though you may be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a short period.

Question 21

How do I handle emotional or psychological stress after an abortion?

Accepted Answer

It's normal to have a range of emotions after an abortion. If you need support, our counsellor can refer you to a therapist for support.

Question 22

Will I be able to have children after an abortion?

Accepted Answer

An uncomplicated abortion has not been shown to change a woman's fertility. 
 
If there are severe complications (which are highly unlikely) there may be effects on fertility.  These complications will be reviewed with you in detail, to make sure you understand them.  However, keep in mind that the risk of all possible complications added together is extremely small (for example, the risk of perforating the uterus, which is the most common complication, is approximately 0.05%).

Question 23

Will my doctor know that I had an abortion?

Accepted Answer

The only process for releasing ANY information to anyone else outside of our clinic is if you sign a consent to do so.  This includes your doctor, who will only be given information if we have your signed consent.

Question 24

Is it possible to get pregnant after an abortion procedure?

Accepted Answer

Your fertility (your ability to get pregnant) can return as early as 1 week after an abortion.  This is why we will be reviewing all available methods of birth control with you to help prevent pregnancy as soon as possible.   Birth control is always up to you. No pressure. But it is highly recommended.

Question 25

What is the Morning After Pill / Emergency Contraceptive / Plan B®?

Accepted Answer

This is a set of pills available at any pharmacy (just ask the pharmacist if you don't have a prescription) that you can take as soon as you know you may have had exposure to sperm.  (For example, as soon as you notice the condom has broken).   If you take it within the first 72 hours after unprotected sex, it is very effective to prevent a pregnancy.

Question 26

Will anyone find out I had an abortion?

Accepted Answer

Only if you sign a written consent to release this information.  Otherwise it is only on records in the clinic.

Question 27

Will I need to take time off from work or school?

Accepted Answer

Usually not.  We recommend you do not do any heavy lifting/running/vigorous exercise for a couple of weeks after the surgery, as it may increase your bleeding.  If you need a note to this effect, we can provide this at the end of your service.

Frequently Asked Questions