Frequently Asked Questions

No, you do not need parental and partner permission to book an appointment or to have an abortion. 

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. 

The Ottawa 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. Private insurance is also accepted, please call the clinic to verify your coverage. 

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.

Yes. If you do not practice safe sex you absolutely can get pregnant, whether you have had an abortion or not. 

Your visit to our clinic is completely private and confidential. We are bound by the Ontario Privacy Act and all regulations governing patient confidentiality. We respect your right to discreet abortion care services. If you are worried about your family physician seeing results or medications related to abortions notify our admin staff and the will have forms for you to fill out that will restrict access to these records that are otherwise available to physicians. 

No. Due to patient privacy, only patients are allowed in the clinic. 

Due to the nature of health care we cannot guarantee wait times, however:

• For surgical procedures expect to be in the clinic for at least 2 to 3 hours.
• For advanced stage terminations the procedure may be spread over 2 days.
• For medical procedures expect to be in the clinic for 1 to 2 hours.

For surgical procedures you cannot drive to or from the clinic, there are no exceptions. This is for your own health and safety and the health and safety of others. You should not drive for 24 hours after the procedure. You can take an Uber or Taxi home.

For medical (pill) procedures you may drive to and from the clinic.

Please bring photo identification, your provincial health card, a long nightshirt or gown that falls to at least your knees and a warm pair of socks. Please bring any supplementary insurance cards you may have. 

A medical pregnancy termination is induced by medications rather than surgery. 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. 

You have a minor surgery to remove the contents of your uterus.

You are sedated (but awake) with I.V. medications, the doctor inserts a speculum and then dilates your cervical canal, evacuates uterus and vacuums out the contents. Then you recover on premises.