Abortion
Is abortion legal?
Yes. In 1988, the Supreme Court of Canada overturned the sections of the Criminal Code with respect to abortion, recognizing the rights of women to terminate a pregnancy under conditions that are safe for their health and future fertility.
This means that all women have the right to undergo this procedure if they choose to. This also means that voluntary termination of pregnancy (abortion) is performed by competent staff using modern medical techniques.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM PREGNANT?
As soon as you realise that your period is late, you can get a pregnancy test done at a pharmacy, CLSC or birth control clinic, depending on the services that are available in your region. The length of the pregnancy is calculated from the first day of your last menstrual period, and not the date on which you think you became pregnant.
When can I undergo an abortion?
At the Rimouski Birth Control Clinic (clinique de planning de Rimouski), we perform abortions from the beginning of the 7th week until the 14th week. However, it is possible to get an abortion up to approximately 23 weeks in other clinics and hospitals in Quebec. We can provide you with information on this subject.
How do I make an appointment?
Whether you are unsure about continuing with the pregnancy or positive that you want an abortion, it is best to call the birth control clinic as soon as possible. A nurse or a human relations worker will answer your questions and set up an appointment for you within a few days. You will be asked for the date of your last menstrual period to determine the number of weeks of pregnancy. If you do not know the exact date of your last period, mention it. If you want to talk about your situation, the staff at our clinic will be able to listen and support you in a respectful, non-judgmental way.
What happens next?
First of all, you will meet with a human relations worker who will help you through the decision-making process. This person will ask you questions about your personal support system. The length of counselling varies and will be adapted to your needs. Then you will meet with a nurse who will determine how long you have been pregnant. She will take blood and urine samples and she will explain the abortion procedure.
On your second visit, you will see a general practitioner (doctor) who will assess your health, perform a medical exam and a gynecological exam, and discuss future contraception. You will see the nurse, who will provide you with advice on taking care of yourself in the days following the abortion and who will explain what happens on the day of the abortion. Once you have made your decision and all of these steps have been completed, we will confirm the date of your abortion.
What is the procedure for an abortion?
The morning of the abortion, the nurse will confirm the time of your procedure. In the afternoon, you will enter the procedure room. The technique used is simple: it involves dilation, aspiration, and curettage under local anesthetia. The first step in the abortion is anesthetising your cervix. Then the cervix is dilated, i.e., gradually opened using rods of various thicknesses so that a thin tube can be inserted for aspiration. The procedure ends with curettage, which cleans the lining of the uterus. Later, the tissue removed from the uterus will be sent to the pathology lab for analysis. During the procedure, you may feel pain of varying intensity similar to menstrual cramps. You will receive medication for the pain. The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes. It is followed by a one-hour rest period during which you must be accompanied by a person of your choice. You may then leave the hospital. We recommend that you do not drive until the next morning, due to the effect of the medications.
What about after?
You should be seen again by a doctor 2 to 3 weeks after your abortion. This appointment is very important. The doctor will ensure that the procedure went well and that there are no complications.
If, in the meantime, you have any questions or have symptoms that worry you, call one of these numbers:
418 724-8578 (birth control clinic)
811(Info-santé)
Your doctor
How much does it cost?
Abortion is a medical act that is covered by Quebec MedicareRégie de l'assurance-maladie. Your card must therefore be valid. If you have to be referred to a private clinic, you will have costs to pay. We can provide you with information on this subject.