Medical Abortions

Medical abortion is available for patients up to 10 weeks' gestation. Eligibility is confirmed during your initial assessment, which includes an ultrasound to determine gestational age and a review of your medical history. If you are past 10 weeks, or if medical abortion is not the right option for you, surgical abortion is available at our clinic up to 24 weeks. Our team will discuss the best option for your situation during your first visit.

Medical abortion uses Mifegymiso, which is a combination of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is taken first, at the clinic or at home.  It works by blocking the hormone needed to continue the pregnancy. Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later, at home. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. Most patients experience cramping and bleeding within a few hours of taking misoprostol, similar to a heavy period or early miscarriage.  Your nurse will write down when, how and how much medication to take. The process is complete for most patients within 24 to 48 hours of taking the second medication, though bleeding can continue for one to two weeks afterward.

Before your appointment. You will be asked some basic questions over the phone when you book. Your first appointment includes an ultrasound to confirm gestational age and a review of your medical history. You will meet with our team to discuss the medication, the process, and any questions you have. At your appointment. Our team will walk you through how the medications work, what to expect at home, and how to recognize anything that may need follow-up. You will leave with the medications, written aftercare instructions, and our contact information for any concerns. At home. Most patients take the second medication at home and experience cramping and bleeding within a few hours. You will receive detailed instructions on what is normal, what is not, and when to reach out. Our 24-hour on-call system means a member of our medical team is reachable directly, at any hour, if you have urgent questions or concerns during the process.  For all non-urgent concerns, please call our clinic during opening hours and ask to speak to the nurse. Follow up. We will give you handouts on the normal course after an abortion.  If your healing goes normally according to our handouts, you do not need a follow-up.  Our handouts include signs and symptoms which are not necessarily normal and do require trained assessment. They clarify when this is needed urgently (i.e. in an emergency room if we are not open) and when you should book a follow-up with us, to ensure the procedure has worked and to check on your health. Any non-urgent concerns can be addressed any day of the week in a follow-up appointment.  Check out our Blog article entitled "is my bleeding normal".

Check out the Blog entitled "LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU" to prepare for your appointment.

You may experience significant cramping, similar to or greater than menstrual cramps, during the process. You are essentially experiencing a miscarriage. Pain management options, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, are often recommended.

Medical abortion is about 98-99% effective when carried out in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. The effectiveness decreases slightly as pregnancy progresses.

Common side effects include heavy bleeding, cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. Our counsellor will explain what to expect after a medical abortion.

While medical abortion is generally safe, risks include incomplete abortion, which may require a surgical procedure to complete, infection, and excessive bleeding.

Yes, an uncomplicated medical abortion has no impact on future fertility. Most women can conceive again in the future if they choose to. This can happen as early as 5 days after your abortion!

You can find more answers on our FAQ page. We also have an on-site counsellor to assist you with finding the right path for you. Please call us or schedule an appointment with us. We wish you all the best and look forward to meeting you in person.

Both medical and surgical abortion are safe and effective. The right option depends on how far along the pregnancy is, your medical history, your circumstances, and your preferences. Some patients prefer medical abortion because it can be managed at home, in a familiar environment, with more privacy. Others prefer surgical abortion because it is completed in a single visit, with the support of our team throughout. Our physician will discuss both options with you at your first visit and help you decide what is right for you.

All medical abortion services at Cabbagetown Women's Clinic are covered under OHIP for patients with valid Ontario health coverage. There is no out-of-pocket cost for OHIP-eligible patients. The Mifegymiso medication itself is also covered under OHIP and Ontario's drug formulary. If you do not have OHIP coverage, please contact our clinic to discuss fees and assisted funding options.