Planned Parenthood Toronto (PPT) is a pro-choice organization. When you are pregnant, we believe that you have the right to access factual, caring and non-judgmental information and services on all three of your options: abortion, adoption, and parenting. If you need support with decision making, contact PPT to book an appointment. There are many myths about abortion. Below is some information about abortion and abortion services in Toronto. What is an abortion? An abortion is a safe medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. Abortions are fully legal in Canada. Types of abortion There are 2 categories of abortion: medical (where medication causes the uterus* to expel the pregnancy tissue), and surgical (where a clinician removes the pregnancy tissue from the uterus).
*We know that these aren’t the words everyone uses for their bodies (eg. trans folks), and support you using the language that feels best for you Medical abortion (the abortion pill, brand name: Mifegymiso)
*We know that these aren’t the words everyone uses for their bodies (eg. trans folks), and support you using the language that feels best for you Surgical abortion
**UHIP = University Health Insurance Plan; IFH = Interim Federal Health (refugee health coverage); DND = Canadian Military Insurance
After an abortion Instructions for abortion aftercare vary between providers. Here is some general information about caring for yourself after an abortion:
Frequently asked questions about abortion Is abortion safe? Yes. Both medical and surgical abortions are very safe, routine procedures. Chances of serious complications are very low. There’s no evidence that abortion causes long-term health effects. Is abortion effective? Yes.Medical abortion with mifepristone is 95-98% effective when used as directed. Surgical abortion is over 99% effective. Will I be able to have a baby in the future? Yes. Having an abortion will not prevent you from getting pregnant or having a healthy pregnancy. Will anybody find out? No. This medical information can’t be released without your permission. After 2-3 weeks a doctor/healthcare provider can’t tell, even with a vaginal exam, that you’ve had an abortion. Do I need permission from my parents/partner/ family doctor? No. In Canada, anyone over 12 years of age can legally have an abortion. You do not need a doctor’s referral to book an abortion appointment. Do I have to take time off work or school? You may need time off for any appointments, and for a medical abortion most people want to be somewhere comfortable when the pregnancy tissue is coming out and the bleeding and cramping are heaviest. Some take a day or so off to rest after but some return to their usual activities the same or next day. Will a surgical abortion hurt? You may feel pressure or cramping if you’re awake. You get medication for pain and to help you relax. What happens if I vomit after taking the abortion pill? If you vomit less than 1 hour after taking the first pill (mifepristone) for a medical abortion, contact your provider. You may need another dose. What happens if I swallow the misoprostol tablets (the second medication for a medical abortion) before 30 minutes are up? The misprostol tablets are safe if swallowed, but can be less effective or have more side effects. How do I know when a medical abortion is complete? You’ll likely have bleeding and cramping heavier than a period that gets lighter after the pregnancy tissue comes out. You’ll do a blood test or ultrasound 1-2 weeks later, or a urine pregnancy test 4-6 weeks later, to confirm the abortion worked. If you don’t have bleeding within 48 hours of taking misoprostol, contact your provider. You may need more screening or another dose. Does abortion make me more likely to get breast* cancer? No. There is no link between having an abortion and getting breast cancer. Does abortion cause depression? No. The most common feeling after having an abortion is relief. Some people feel sadness or grief, which is a healthy response to loss. Having an abortion isn’t associated with long-term emotional or mental health problems. *We know that these aren’t the words everyone uses for their bodies (eg. trans folks), and support you using the language that feels best for you Talking about abortion/ support around abortion Not everybody needs support or has strong feelings about their abortion, but some people do, and being pregnant when you can’t or don’t want to continue a pregnancy can be stressful. Some people find it helpful to talk to friends, family, community, or other supports in their lives, but not everyone has people they can talk to about it without fear of judgment or shame. If you would like to talk to someone pro-choice and nonjudgmental about pregnancy options, abortion, or your feelings or experiences around pregnancy or abortion, check out these resources:
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