Frequently asked questions
Want to learn more about abortion? Check out our frequently asked questions below!
Abortion options
In a medication abortion, you take two sets of pills. The first pill is called mifepristone. It blocks the hormones that allow the pregnancy to develop. Either a few hours or 1-2 days later, you take four pills of misoprostol. These cause the uterus to contract to expel the pregnancy. The experience most people have is like having a miscarriage or a very heavy period.
Some people prefer medication abortion because it is private, they can be at home, and they don’t have to have a procedure in a clinic. Medication abortion works to end a pregnancy over 98% of the time. Around 2% of people who have a medication abortion will need to have a uterine aspiration afterwards because the pills didn’t work as expected or because they are having heavy bleeding.
A uterine aspiration is done in a clinic or office and is a form of procedural abortion. In a uterine aspiration, you get undressed from the waist down. The provider places a speculum, like when you get a Pap smear done, and then gives some numbing medicine around the cervix. The cervix is opened gently to allow a small plastic straw, called a cannula, to pass into the uterus. A suction device, which is handheld or powered with electricity, is used to remove the pregnancy. The entire procedure lasts about 5 to 10 minutes. There are no cuts or incisions.
It’s really up to each person. Some prefer a medication abortion because they can take the pills in the privacy of their own home, with their own support people around them. They don’t have to get undressed in the doctor’s office or have the aspiration done. They are comfortable experiencing bleeding and cramping, and are able to follow up if there is a concern.
Other people would rather have a procedural abortion because it’s quick and once it’s over, they know they are done and not pregnant. I can be a big relief to walk out of the clinic with the abortion complete. Every person is different, and the choice is theirs to make!
Less than 10% of abortion care is provided after 14 weeks in Canada. 3 This abortion procedure is done slightly differently. People may take medications or have overnight dilators placed to open the cervix. The procedure is completed using either suction or suction combined with instruments. Although the entire process takes a bit longer, the abortion procedure itself is still very short. It takes about 10 minutes and there are no incisions or cutting. Later procedures can take place safely in a clinic—they do not need to be in a hospital or operating room.4
Want to talk through your options?
Our Abortion Access team is here for you. We can provide short-term counselling to support you in your decision making. Our team provides non-judgmental, client-centered and evidence-based care and information.
Abortion experience
According to the best medical evidence available, abortion is safer than getting a dental procedure or cosmetic surgery,1 and much safer than childbirth. According to that evidence, in the United States, a woman is about 15 to 25 times more likely to die in childbirth than she is during an abortion. 2
Abortion is safer than having a child, so having more than one abortion is definitely safer than having more than one child. There is no “maximum” number of times that a person can have an abortion in their lifetime.
According to the best medical evidence, abortion does not affect a person’s ability to get pregnant again in the future. In fact, fertility often returns quickly after an abortion. If a person wants to delay pregnancy, they should use a reliable method of birth control starting immediately after an abortion.
People decide to have an abortion after concluding that it is the right choice for themselves and their lives. According to the best evidence, if you ask people who had an abortion five years later whether abortion was the right choice, over 99% of them will say that it was. 5
While the overwhelming majority of people do not regret their decision, it is important to recognize that some may experience complex emotions, and any and all feelings are valid.
In procedural abortions, most people who receive light or moderate sedation will feel cramping or strong contractions as the cervix is dilated and the aspiration happens. However, the procedure is very fast, lasting about five to ten minutes, and the medications help to ease discomfort. By the time people leave the clinic, they should be feeling much better. Most people can go back to their regular activities the next day.
For medication abortions, cramping and bleeding usually start one to four hours after taking misoprostol. There will be heavy bleeding and cramps for a few hours. Other symptoms might include nausea, diarrhea, chills, or vomiting. This usually means the medication is beginning to work however this does not indicate a completed abortion.
Want to learn more about abortion?
Check out our supporting abortion seekers resource page to find information on a variety of issues related to abortion. Resources are from a number of perspectives and span a wide range of abortion-related topics.
Accessing abortion
People who seek abortions have a wide array of identities, experiences, resources, and more. There is no one story of who accesses abortion care, and there is no reason that is more valid than another.
Abortion is also incredibly common. About one in three women in Canada will have at least one abortion by age 45[I]. Most people who access abortion care already have one child or more. In addition, many people have more than one abortion. While publicly available statistics provide numbers which demonstrate how many women access abortion, we also know that trans and non-binary people access and deserve affirming, supportive abortion care.
Medication abortion can be prescribed by doctors, nurse practitioners, and increasingly by midwives. Who can prescribe can vary between provinces and territories.
Procedural abortions are offered by healthcare teams led by physicians in both community-based and hospital-based clinics.
Abortions in Canada are provided in different settings based on the type of abortion, and the services available in each area.
Medication abortion can be prescribed by doctors, nurse practitioners, and increasingly by midwives. Who can prescribe can vary between provinces and territories. After filling their prescription, people who access medication abortion typically take medications at home or in another location where they feel safe and comfortable.
Procedural abortions are provided in both community settings (such as in clinics which specifically offer abortion care and/or reproductive healthcare such as STI testing, birth control etc.) as well as in hospital-based clinics. In some communities you may have a choice which kind of clinic you visit and in others only one may be available. You may also need to travel to access abortion care.
The Choice Connect Abortion Referral App is one option for finding a provider in your area. If you are unable to find a provider feel free to reach out to us and we can offer support.
Medication abortion is covered by provincial/territorial health insurance as well as national insurance plans. Occasionally non-provincial/territorial insurance holders may experience challenges having their medication covered. Those without insurance (such as individuals with precarious immigration/visa status) may be denied coverage.
Procedural abortion has similar coverage, but occasionally additional fees are charged. As well, the care you need or want may not be available in your own community and as such there may be travel costs, lost wages and other expenses related to accessing care.
If you are unsure if you are covered, or need support with fees, check our our abortion access program here and get in touch!
Have more questions?
Our Abortion Access team is here for you. We can provide accurate information, connect you to abortion care facilities or community-based supports, and offer financial assistance if needed. Our services are available in English, French, and Spanish with additional languages upon request.
