Pregnant? You Have Options.

Abortion

You may have just confirmed you are pregnant. Learning you are pregnant might have led you to looking into information on abortion. For some, an abortion search is an unwanted one. Pause. Take a deep breath. You have the time to gather information and consider how this option may impact you.  

Some women believe abortion is their best and only option.  Some women are ambivalent about procuring an abortion. Other women feel pressured by others to consider abortion. 

The good thing about choice is it means there is more than one option. If you are considering an abortion due to external pressures, fear, coercion, lack of relational support, or resources and find the abortion is unwanted, there is help available. 

Our trained support staff are available to discuss with you any questions  or concerns you have about having an abortion, barriers to continuing the pregnancy, informed consent, risks associated with abortion, and alternatives to abortion. 

We are not a medical service. We are here to help you understand all your options so you can make a well-informed decision.  It is your pregnancy, your right to know, and your decision.  We are committed to providing you with caring emotional support, no matter what your decision. 

Abortion Procedures

Abortion is a medical procedure. It’s important then for you to know what procedures are involved and any risks that may be connected to those.  

There are various abortion procedures available during the different stages of pregnancy: 

• Medical Abortion (up to 9 weeks gestation)
• Surgical Abortion (1st & 2nd Trimester)
  – Vacuum Aspiration and Dilation & Curettage
  – Dilation & Evacuation
  – Induction of labour  

In Canada, 90% of abortions are done in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

For information on understanding pregnancy: 

See also: Fetal Development

Physical and Emotional Risks

Abortions in Canada are considered safe medical procedures. However, potential risks include:

Physical:

• Heavy bleeding
• Infection
• Increased risk of premature births in subsequent pregnancies¹
• Injury to the cervix or uterus²
• Small risk of infection or scarring that can be associated with infertility or miscarriage²

Emotional:

You may be wondering how an abortion would impact you emotionally and mentally. This is a good thing to reflect on before having an abortion. 

Some women feel a sense of relief immediately following an abortion while others may encounter negative thoughts and emotions. Such emotions may be immediate or occur days, weeks, or years later. 

Emotional responses vary depending on a woman’s age, stage of pregnancy, previous mental health, religious or cultural beliefs, relationships, or whether she is being pressured by others into having an abortion. 

See also: After Abortion for a list of possible symptoms and reactions.

 If you have had an abortion and would like to talk to someone about how you are doing, please connect with our post-abortion services. 

Please contact us if you would like to discuss your options further.

Disclaimer:  

Our centre is not a medical facility. We do not assist in arranging abortions or provide contraceptives. They are considered public health care services that need consultation with a medical professional. 

¹ Saccone G., Perriera L., Berghella V. “Prior uterine evacuation of pregnancy as independent risk factor for preterm birth: a systematic review and metaanalysis”. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016; 214(5): 572-591. doi:10.1016/j.agog.2015.12.044.
² Schenker JG. “Etiology of and therapeutic approach to synechia uteri.” Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1996;65(1) 109-113. doi:  10.1016/0028-2243(95)02315-j: March CM. “Intrauterine adhesions”. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 1995;22(3):491-505.