Please don't hesitate to contact us if you cannot find an answer here, or if you want any clarification.
Yes, both both medical and surgical abortions are very safe, and are one of the safest medical procedures available — it has a lower complication rate than other common medical procedures, such as wisdom teeth extractions or tonsillectomies.
While still very low, medical abortions do have a slightly higher rate of complications compared to surgical abortions, most of that can be attributed to the need for a surgical abortion after a failed medical abortion, and/or a mild infection that can be treated with oral antibiotics.
Our doctors will discuss this in detail with you during your appointment.
No. In Ontario, anyone over 12 years of age can legally have an abortion, and does not require parental/guardian consent. You also do not need a doctor’s referral to book an abortion appointment.
No, you do not need a doctor’s referral to make an appointment. You can make the appointment at your convenience and at your request.
No, there is no waiting period required for an abortion.
We appreciate how time-sensitive this issue can be, so call us as soon as you are able, and appointments are readily available within 24 – 48h. We usually require patients to be at least 5 weeks pregnant, so that we can visualize the pregnancy on ultrasound. Aside from that stipulation, we are ready, whenever you are.
We do not always require advance notice for appointments, for those who require it, we do try and accommodate same-day appointments, ideally if you call before 1pm — but give us a call regardless and we will see what we can do.
Your visit to our clinic is completely private and confidential; we respect your right to discreet abortion care services. We are bound by the Ontario Privacy Act and all regulations governing patient confidentiality.
If you are worried about your family physician seeing the results or medications related to an abortion, notify our admin staff and they will have forms for you to fill out that will restrict access to these records that are otherwise available to physicians.
Current research shows that having an abortion will not interfere or affect your ability to have children in the future. Abortions performed in a safe and competent manner with no complications have no affect or bearing on your future fertility.
There is no research or statistical data to support the belief that having more than one abortion will damage or affect fertility. In fact, 1st trimester abortions are very low risk procedures and have one of the lowest surgical complication rates of all surgeries performed in Canada.
Statistics Canada reports that in 1995, less than 1% of abortions in Canada resulted in any complication at all. The earlier the abortion, the lower the chance of any complication.
The Ottawa Abortion Clinic — and Toronto Abortion Clinic — is licensed and funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health, and therefore your valid Ontario Health (OHIP) card fully covers you for this service. Other plans that cover this service include:
For those who have 3rd-party insurance from one of our preferred partners, we will bill them on your behalf so there is no need to pay up front. Our Preferred Partners:
Please bring any supplementary insurance cards you may have, such as Ontario Works, O.D.S.P., Native Status, or any private insurance plan.
If you live in a province other than Ontario, your provincial health care insurance should cover you for services in your area. Currently the provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick do not honour the Canada Health Act (CHA) and do not cover services performed in facilities other than hospital under their provincial health care plans.
For out-of-province patients — women who live in one province but are seeking abortion services in another province, for whatever reason — there may be fees associated with this service, due to provincial billing guidelines.
If you do not have any health insurance, or are unsure of your coverage, please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your options and what resources may be available to you.
Your suitability for having an abortion, and the type of abortion you are eligible for, depends on a variety of factors, such as the gestational age of the pregnancy and your personal medical history (any allergies, comorbidities, medications, etc.).
This is something that our doctors will go over with you during your initial assessment.
After your abortion, you will rest in the recovery room for around 30min to an hour, depending on your particular reaction to the procedure. Patients who've had a medical abortion can drive home almost immediately; in contrast, patients who've had a surgical abortion will need assistance to get home safely due to the use of local anesthesia and pain management.
Plan to take it easy for the rest of the day, expect to have some bleeding and/or cramping for a few days, and if you are feeling up to it, you can get back to work/school/normal activities the next day. Although we would suggest avoiding any strenuous activity for a period of time, or anything that causes increased pain.
Our doctors will discuss what to expect and how to take care of yourself after your abortion. You will also get a phone number that you can call after clinic hours to reach our After Hours Nurse with any questions or concerns.
Yes. If you do not practice safe sex, you can absolutely get pregnant — whether you have had an abortion or not.
If you are interested in post-abortive birth control, do inform our staff at time of booking and inform the doctor during your appointment.
No.
Due to privacy laws only patients, and occasionally translators, are allowed in the clinic.
Due to the nature of health care we cannot guarantee wait times, however:
For Surgical Procedures: For your own health and safety, and the health and safety of others, it is important that you do not drive to or from the clinic — no exceptions. Nor should you drive for 24 hours after the procedure. Taking an Uber or Taxi, however, is perfectly fine.
For Medical (Pill) Procedures: You may drive to and from the clinic, without issue.
Please bring photo identification, your provincial health card, a maxi pad sanitary napkin, a long nightshirt or gown that falls to at least your knees and a warm pair of socks or slippers to wear in the clinic.
Please bring any supplementary insurance cards you may have, such as Ontario Works, O.D.S.P., Native Status, or any private insurance plan.
A medical abortion is a form of pregnancy termination that is non-invasive and induced by medications rather than surgery. Think of it as an induced miscarriage. It is available to women who are less than 10 weeks pregnant.
The first pill induces a miscarriage and the second course of medication helps expel the products of conception. A more detailed explanation on how the Abortion Pill works can be found here or in this Patient Information Booklet. For an outline of what to expect during your medical abortion appointment, click here.
Your nurse or doctor will let you know if there’s anything you need to do in preparation for ending your pregnancy. The first medication is taken during your appointment, and your doctor will give you written instructions on how to take the second set of medications. You’ll have access to a caring professional throughout the process. In addition, you will also be given that number for our After-Hours nurse, 24/7, who you can contact if you have any questions or concerns.
There will be a lot of bleeding and cramping after taking the second medicine at home. So, plan ahead in order to make the process more comfortable. Choose a time when you’ll have some privacy and can rest for a while, and have someone you trust with you (or nearby) that you can call for support should you need anything.
Stock up on maxi pads, food, books or movies to help pass the time, and have a heating pad nearby for cramps. Make sure you have some pain medication — but do not take aspirin, because it can make you bleed more.
For most people, medical termination feels somewhat like having an early miscarriage. You might have:
To help ease pain and make you more comfortable, you can:
There will be a lot of bleeding and cramping after taking the second medicine at home. So, plan ahead in order to make the process more comfortable. Choose a time when you’ll have some privacy and can rest for a while, and have someone you trust with you (or nearby) that you can call for support should you need anything.
Stock up on maxi pads, food, books or movies to help pass the time, and have a heating pad nearby for cramps. Make sure you have some pain medication — but do not take aspirin, because it can make you bleed more.
If you vomit less than 1 hour after taking the first pill (mifepristone) for a medical abortion, contact your provider — you may need another dose.
Chlamydia and Gonorrhea are the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infections in Canada, and most women don’t know they have either, since they usually don’t cause any symptoms.
If you have bacteriuria — the presence of bacteria in the urine — it is possible that the bacteria can spread into your vagina or cervix during a medical termination of pregnancy, then travel up higher into your pelvis; this can cause serious immediate health problems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (a severe infection), and future health problems, such as infertility and ectopic pregnancy.
Surgical Abortion is a minor surgery to remove the contents of your uterus.
You are sedated (but awake) with I.V. medications, the doctor inserts a speculum, dilates your cervical canal, evacuates the uterus and vacuums out the contents, and you then recover on the premises.
More detail is provided here, and an outline of what to expect on the day of your surgical abortion appointment can be found on our What to Expect page.
Both procedures are highly effective and safe.
Medical terminations allow women to avoid surgery, but typically involve more pain and bleeding. While surgical procedures are completed in less time, medical terminations can take a number of days to complete.
In contrast to surgical procedures, a medical termination of pregnancy also permits a partner or support person to be present during the latter part of the process when patients take their follow up medication.
Gestational age limits for medical procedures are 10 weeks (70 days), while those for surgical procedures are 19.6 weeks (139 days).
See the table below for a quick comparison between medical and surgical abortions.
Ottawa Abortion Clinic
65 Bank Street, 3rd Floor, Ottawa, ON, K1P 5N2
(613) 567-8300 | info@oaclinic.ca
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