Canada Abortion Pill Information
Abortion Pill
The abortion pill is a medical abortion. This type of abortion uses two drugs. The first medication (Mifepristone ) blocks the progesterone hormone which is needed for pregnancy to continue. When used together with the second medication (Misoprostol), it will end an early pregnancy (70 days or less since the first day of the last menstrual period or 10 wks LMP) and is considered unsafe beyond that time.
The pill, mifepristone, causes an abortion by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for pregnancy to continue. The abortion pill is administered in three doses, along with another drug, misoprostol, and typically requires three clinic visits.
On the first visit, the woman takes three mifepristone abortion pills, which results in the death of the fetus.
On Day 3, she takes the second abortion pill, misoprostol, which will cause cramping to expel the fetus.
A follow-up visit is required two weeks after taking the abortion pill to ensure that the pregnancy has terminated. If an ultrasound scan shows that the fetus has not been expelled, a surgical abortion will be required, typically at an additional cost.
Other names for the abortion pill (Ru486):
Mifepristone is the generic name for RU-486. In the U.S., RU486 is sold under the brand names Mifeprex® and Early Option®.
The abortion pill involves two drugs:
When taken alone, RU486 results in a complete abortion only about 60% of the time. A second drug, a prostaglandin, is given 48 hours later to increase the abortion pill’s effectiveness. The prostaglandin causes uterine contractions to help expel the fetus. Misoprostol (brand name Cytotec) is the prostaglandin used with RU-486 in the U.S.
In Canada the Abortion Pill is now available by mail. Before taking the Abortion Pill or any other medication, get information from a trusted source so that you understand how it works and the possible side effects.
Who Should not take the abortion pill (ru486):
The FDA advises that the Medication abortion pill (RU486) should NOT be taken if any one of the following circumstances apply:
- It has been more than 49 days since your last menstrual period began.
- You have an IUD, which must be removed before taking the pill.
- Your healthcare provider has told you that you have an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the uterus). Note: About 2% of pregnancies are ectopic.
- You have problems with your adrenal glands (chronic adrenal failure).
- You take a medicine to thin your blood.
- You have a bleeding problem.
- You take certain steroid medications.
- You cannot return for the necessary follow-up visits (2 days and 14 days after taking RU-486).
- You cannot easily access emergency medical help, including blood transfusions and emergency resuscitation, in the 2 weeks after taking the medication abortion pill.
- You are allergic to mifepristone [RU-486], misoprostol, or medicines that contain misoprostol such as Cytotec or Arthrotec.
Adverse events and side effects of the abortion pill:
In U.S. trials of RU486/misoprostol, at least 99% of patients experienced at least one of the following medication abortion pill side effects:
- Abdominal pain (cramping) (97%)
- Nausea (67%)
- Headache (32%)
- Vomiting (34%)
- Diarrhea (23%)
- Dizziness (12%)
- Fatigue (9%)
- Back pain (9%)
- Uterine hemorrhage (7%)
- Fever (4%)
- Viral infections (4%)
- Vaginitis (4%)
- Rigors (chills/shaking)(3%)
More than one adverse event was reported for most patients. Approximately 23% of the adverse events were judged to be “severe.”
The FDA is aware of women in the United States who died from sepsis (severe illness caused by infection of the bloodstream) after medical abortion with Mifeprex and misoprostol.
Calculating the Length of Pregnancy:
Doctors calculate the length of pregnancy by counting from the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP), approximately two weeks prior to conception (fertilization). So “up to 49 days LMP” means up to 5 weeks after conception.
Understanding the details and implications of choosing the medication abortion pill is crucial for anyone considering this option. It’s important to be fully aware of the time constraints, procedure, potential side effects, and risks involved with this form of abortion. The use of RU486, coupled with misoprostol, is a significant medical decision that should be made with comprehensive knowledge and under professional medical guidance.
For those considering this option, it’s vital to consult with healthcare professionals to ensure safety and to discuss any concerns or questions you might have. It’s equally important to understand the legal and health criteria that determine eligibility for taking the medication abortion pill. Remember, this decision is not just about the immediate termination of pregnancy but also involves considering your long-term health and well-being.
If you or someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy and contemplating a medication abortion, consider reaching out to your local Canada pregnancy center for detailed information and support. Making an informed decision is essential, and it’s important to have access to all the facts and support systems available. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources and people ready to help you through this process.
Abortion Pill Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How Much Does the Abortion Pill Cost?
Answer:
The typical cost of the abortion pill ranges from $350 to $700, and it may be even higher depending on the provider. For the information you need, determine how far along you are in your pregnancy with our complimentary ultrasound services.
Question: How Can I Get the Abortion Pill?
Answer: You can get an abortion pill either through an abortion provider’s clinic or by an online mail source. For mail order, in most cases, a telehealth appointment is required and the medication for the abortion is sent directly to you without an in-person physical examination. A physical examination is important because it dates the pregnancy, rules out ectopic pregnancy, and determines viability (if you are at risk for miscarriage).
Question: What are “Missed Period Pills?
Answer: sed period pill is another name for the abortion pill. Some people may think it might help them psychologically if they’re unsure about abortion. Regardless of its name, you should know that it is an abortion.
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.