Canada Abortion Safety Checklist
Abortion Safety
Your health and well-being are paramount. Your local Canada pregnancy center understands that this is your pregnancy, your future, and ultimately, your choice. Their commitment is to support and empower you, ensuring you have all the necessary information to make a decision you feel confident about.
If you find yourself uncertain or have questions, we warmly invite you to speak with their knowledgeable staff or medical team.
Considering an Abortion?
Follow Our Abortion Safety Checklist:
1. Confirm Your Pregnancy
A standard pregnancy test does not provide a complete confirmation of pregnancy. An ultrasound, which an Canada pregnancy center provides at no cost, will confirm the presence of a pregnancy within the uterus and determine its stage. This is essential as it affects the types of abortion procedures available to you.
2. Understand the Risks
Like any medical intervention, abortions carry their own set of risks, both immediate and long-term. We recommend discussing these with our medical professionals to fully understand the potential impacts on your health.
3. Consider All Alternatives
Making an informed decision involves exploring every available option—abortion, adoption, or parenting. This choice is deeply personal, and taking the time to consider all possibilities will equip you with the assurance to make the best decision for yourself.
4. Get Tested for STDs/STIs
Undergoing an abortion with an untreated STD/STI can increase the risk of developing pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which may lead to future infertility or chronic pain. We offer free referrals for comprehensive STD/STI testing and treatment to safeguard your health.
5. Take a Moment to Reflect
When faced with a significant decision, it’s beneficial to pause and reflect on your feelings and concerns. Visit your local Canada pregnancy clinic to discuss your thoughts and questions, ensuring you are fully prepared to make an informed choice about your pregnancy.
Questions For You
Question: Has your pregnancy been medically confirmed?
Answer: Even if you’ve had a positive pregnancy test, you will need an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy, determine how far along you are, and rule out an ectopic or tubal pregnancy. As many as 1 in 4 pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage, and more than 80% of miscarriages occur in the first three months of pregnancy.
Question: Are you aware of which abortion procedure is appropriate for you?
Answer: Consider all your options. At your local pregnancy center you can receive a pre-abortion screening at no-cost by a medical professional.
Question: Do you understand the details of the abortion procedure and what to expect afterwards?
cnswer: At your local pregnancy Center you can receive a pre-abortion screening at no-cost by a medical professional.
Question: Are you informed about the possible physical and emotional risks and complications associated with the abortion procedure?
Answer: You deserve to be informed with all the facts. At your local pregnancy center you can receive a pre-abortion screening at no-cost by a medical professional.
Question: Does the clinic you have chosen commit to providing care for any complications that may arise?
Answer: Remember, you are not alone in navigating this decision. We encourage you to take the time you need to consider all aspects of your choice. If you have any questions, need more information, or simply wish to talk to someone who understands, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Question: Do you know that it is completely acceptable to change your mind?
Answer: Many women who have experienced abortion relate that they felt they could not change their mind once they had entered the facility. Others say that they waited on the table to be “rescued” by the baby’s father at the last minute. Some facilities even told the women that they couldn’t get their money back if they changed their mind, which is not legal.
Abortion providers understand this choice is a difficult decision and can work to encourage you to abort even as they say, “I simply can’t do this!” Know your rights. Don’t be pressured or intimidated, particularly by the clinic staff. If you are not sure about your abortion decision, you can change your mind. If the procedure is not performed, demand your money back.
Question: Have there been any legal actions against the clinic or its physicians?
Answer: Abortion is legal in the United States, but bad medical care is not. Women have died as a result of their “safe and legal abortions.” Some have had their bodies harmed to the point that they can no longer have children. Be sure and do your research.
Question: Is a licensed physician required to perform a surgical abortion?
Answer: Yes, only a licensed physician can perform an abortion, regardless of the type of abortion or the facility where it takes place.
Question: When was your last STD/STI test?
Answer: An untreated infection can cause complications if not treated before an abortion. Many local pregnancy centersoffers free STI testing.
Question: Have you received information about the abortion pill and surgical abortion options?
Answer: Pregnancy centers are committed to ensuring that your decision is an empowered one, rooted in full awareness and understanding. During your initial visit, they will provide detailed information about the various types of abortion procedures and thoroughly discuss all your pregnancy options with you.
Question: Are you aware of the complications related to the abortion procedure and emotional aftereffects?
Answer: Your local pregnancy center offers complimentary medical consultations with one of their nurses during your ultrasound exam. This session gives you the opportunity to discuss your health history, address any concerns about potential complications or side effects, and openly talk about your feelings regarding the abortion process. We encourage you to take the time needed to ensure you are fully informed and supported.
Question: Do you feel any external pressure to proceed with an abortion?
Answer: It is against the law for anyone to force you to have an abortion. Not even a husband or parent can require you to undergo an abortion against your will, even if you are a minor (under 18 years old). Pregnancy centers exist to help you in any circumstance. They can even help you discuss this choice with those closest to you that are influencing your decision.
Most Canada pregnancy centres listed offer free and confidential services including medical grade pregnancy tests and ultrasound exams.
32700 George Ferguson Way,
Abbotsford, BC V2T, Canada
604-853-0303
Your Pregnancy Options
301-32920 Ventura Ave
Abbotsford BC V2S 6J3
604-853-9161
Fraser Valley Pregnancy Centre
Box 374
Aldergrove BC CAN
604-856-9151
Birthright
201 - 4721 Lazelle Ave Terrace
BC V8G 1T3 CANADA
250-635-3907
Pregnancy & Resource Centre
466 Colborne St
Brantford ON N3S 3N7
519-756-3787
Birthright
12A - 4012 E Hastings St
Burnaby BC V5C 2H9 CAN
604-291-9818
Burnaby Safe House
c/o 7416 Edmonds Street
Burnaby BC V3N 1A8 CAN
778-886-7001
CPC of Burnaby & New Westminster
7416 Edmonds St
Burnaby BC V3N 1A8 CAN
604-525-0999
Post Abortion Community Services
7416 Edmonds St
Burnaby BC CANADA
604-525-0999
Birthright
929 Alder St, Ste 1
Campbell River BC V9W 2P7 CANADA
250-286-1712
Crisis Pregnancy Centre of Chilliwack
9301 Nowell Street
Chilliwack BC V2P 2P2 CAN
604-795-3043
Beginnings Family Services
19 King Street East
Cobourg, ON K9A 1K6
905-373-4575
Pregnancy Concerns
203-1108 Austin Ave
Coquitlam BC CAN
604-939-2633
Comox Valley Crisis Pregnancy Ctr
785 6th St
Courtenay BC V9N 1M8 CAN
250-334-0058
Respect for Life Society
Box 376 Cranbrook
BC CAN
604-426-7818
Birthright
E 9557 120th St
Delta BC V4C 6S4 CAN
604-584-7311
North Peace Pregnancy Care Centre
#208- 10139 100 ST
Fort St John BC V1J-3Y6 CAN
250-787-5584
Beginnings Family Services
64 Baker Street
Guelph, ON N1H 4G1
519-763-7980
Beginnings Family Services
1 Young Street, Suite 308
Hamilton, ON L8N 1T8
905-528-6665 or 1-877-528-6665
Pregnancy Care Centre
Ste. 200 535 Tranquille Road
Kamloops BC CANADA
250-376-4646
Pregnancy Care Centre
201-2622 Pandosy Street
Kelowna BC V1Y 1V6 CANADA
250-763-2112
CPC of Nanaimo
1717 Kerrisdale Rd
Nanaimo, BC CAN
1-250-714-2191
Choices Pregnancy Centre
3-577 Baker St
Nelson BC CAN
250-354-1199
Open Door Ministry
870 Lynn Valley Rd
North Vancouver BC CAN
604-985-9207
Beginnings Family Services
28 Wellington Street
North Woodstock, ON N4S 6P3
519-421-2127
Birthright
4735 Algoma Ave
Powell River BC V8A 2N7 CAN
604-485-2832
The Pregnancy Centre
38 Francis Street South
Kitchener, ON N2G 2A2
519.886.4001
Pregnancy Problem Services
20645 Douglas Crescent
Langley BC CANADA
604-795-3043
WomanCare CPC
3-22374 Lougheed Hwy
Maple Ridge BC V2X 2T5 CANADA
604-463-5513
Highway Haven Inn
2751 Nicola Ave
Merritt BC CAN
250-378-6522
Prince George CPC
206-2289 Westwood Dr
Prince George BC V2N 4V6 CANADA
250-562-4464
Birthright
358 Vaughan St
Quesnel BC V2J 2T2 CAN
250-992-7555
CAPSS Pregnancy Support Services
17 McCune Avenue
Red Deer, AB T4N 0H3
1-866-845-2151
Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre
4610 48 Avenue
Red Deer, AB T4N 3S9
403-343-1611
The Pregnancy Centre
177 McDougald Street
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 3A9
(705) 759-9100
Smithers Pro Life Society
Box 3252
Smithers BC CANADA
250-847-2475
Pregnancy Options Centre
#5-13634 104 Avenue
Surrey BC V3T 1W2 CAN
604-584-4490
Birthright
808-207 W Hastings St
Vancouver BC V6B 1H7 CAN
604-687-7223
Crisis Pregnancy Centre
101-5701 Granville Street
Vancouver BC V6M 4J7
604-731-1122
Birthright
516-620 View St
Victoria BC V8W 1J6 CANADA
250-380-0305
Crisis Pregnancy Centre of Victoria
107-1505 Admirals Rd
Victoria BC V9A 2P8 CAN
250-380-6883
Canada, the second-largest country in the world by land area, is known for its diverse landscapes, multicultural society, and strong economy. Toronto is its largest city and a major financial and cultural hub. Canada features varied geography, including vast forests, mountain ranges like the Rockies, extensive prairies, and a significant Arctic region, with a climate that ranges from temperate in the south to Arctic in the north, with cold winters and warm, humid summers in many areas. As of 2022, the population of Canada is projected to be 38.93 million. Universities in Canada include: University of Toronto, Mcgill University, The University of British Columbia, and other colleges and universities. The capital is Ottawa, Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Do I need an appointment?
Answer: Walk-ins are welcome. However, it is best to make an appointment to minimize your office wait time.
Question: What is the cost?
Answer: All services are free and confidential.
Question: What should I expect when I come for my visit?
Answer: Upon your arrival, a friendly receptionist will guide you to meet your client advocate. This advocate will offer you a judgment-free space to talk, followed by essential information and a pregnancy test. In the event of a positive test result, a dedicated medical professional will perform a limited ultrasound to verify the pregnancy's viability and estimate the age of the fetus.
Question: How long after sex does it take for a pregnancy test to work and how accurate is the test?
Answer: Pregnancy tests can be performed 7 to 10 days after conception. A client with a negative result may be invited to return within 2 weeks for a repeat test if she has not had her period.
If you have taken a home pregnancy test, you may want to confirm results with a laboratory-quality test at your local pregnancy center. These pregnancy tests detect HCg levels within 7 to 10 after conception.
Question: Will you tell anyone about my visit?
Answer: Pregnancy centers maintain a rigorous privacy and confidentiality policy. Clients' information is safeguarded against unauthorized disclosure, respecting their right to privacy, except in instances mandated by law. This includes situations necessary for public health, preventing harm to the client or others, or in specific circumstances where the use or disclosure of information is justified without prior consent, such as in cases of abuse reporting or suicide/homicide prevention.
Question: When should I schedule an appointment?
Answer: High-quality, medical-grade pregnancy tests are capable of detecting pregnancy from the first day after your initial missed period. We advise scheduling an appointment if you've missed a period, have any queries related to pregnancy, or suspect that you might be pregnant.
Question: How far along do I have to be to get a free ultrasound?
Answer: After an initial consultation with a client advocate, many pregnancy centers offer on-site ultrasound scans. These limited ultrasounds are conducted by a licensed nurse sonographer or a registered diagnostic medical sonographer (RDMS) and are subsequently reviewed by a licensed physician. The purpose of an ultrasound is to confirm the viability of the pregnancy and to establish the gestational age.
Question: I already know I'm pregnant and I want an abortion, what's next?
Answer: It is advisable to have an ultrasound to confirm the viability of your pregnancy and to ensure it is located within the uterus, as 20% to 25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Moreover, the ultrasound helps in determining the stage of your pregnancy, which is essential in making an informed decision about the type of abortion procedure you may consider. Many pregnancy centers offer a limited ultrasound free of charge.
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