Safe Abortion & Post Abortion Care

What is a Safe Abortion?  

A safe abortion is one that is performed by a trained and qualified healthcare professional (such as a doctor or nurse practitioner) using evidence-based, safe methods recommended by the World Health Organization. In Canada, abortion is a recognized healthcare right, meaning it is legal, highly regulated, and performed in clean, supportive medical environments using the safest standards available. 

There are two main methods of safe abortion: 

• Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill): You take medication (such as Mifegymiso) prescribed by a healthcare provider. This process usually happens at home and feels similar to a heavy menstrual period with cramping. It is highly effective for early pregnancies up to 9 or 10 weeks. 
• Procedural (Surgical) Abortion: A trained doctor or nurse uses a gentle medical vacuum to empty the uterus. This is a quick procedure done in a clinic or hospital. You are given medication to manage pain, ensure your comfort, and help you relax throughout the process.  

What is a Miscarriage?  

A miscarriage (often called early pregnancy loss) is when a pregnancy ends on its own before the 20th week. It is very common and happens in about 1 in 5 pregnancies. It is important to know that a miscarriage is almost never the fault of the pregnant person; it is usually because the pregnancy was not developing properly. 

The medical care for a miscarriage is often exactly the same as the care for an abortion. Depending on the situation, a doctor may give you the same medication used for a medical abortion to help your body pass the pregnancy, or they may perform the same gentle vacuum procedure used in a procedural abortion to ensure your uterus is completely empty and prevent infection.  

Making a Decision and Finding Care  

Deciding how to handle an unplanned pregnancy is a deeply personal choice. It is completely okay to take time to decide what is best for you. If you are unsure, there are free, confidential tools like the It’s My Choice Decision Aid that can help guide your thoughts. 

When you are ready, finding a clinic in Canada is simple. You can use confidential online directories like Choice Connect Canada or contact the National Abortion Federation of Canada to find the nearest provider to you.  

Accessing Abortion Care

You have the right to access abortion and miscarriage services completely privately. You do not need a referral from a family doctor, nor do you need permission from a partner or family member. Your healthcare team is legally bound to keep your medical information confidential.  

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the cost of an abortion or miscarriage management is fully covered by the Medical Care Plan (MCP). Services can be accessed directly at specialized clinics, such as the Athena Health Centre or the Health Sciences Centre. For individuals living in rural areas where there is often a lack of basic amenities and specialist support, medical abortions can frequently be accessed via telemedicine, allowing you to get the medication from a local pharmacy without needing to travel long distances.  

Post-Abortion and Miscarriage Care and Recovery 

After an abortion or a miscarriage, it is normal to experience bleeding and cramping for a few days to a few weeks. It is important to rest and allow your body to recover. 

• Physical Care: Use sanitary pads instead of tampons to monitor your bleeding and reduce the risk of infection. Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications as directed by your provider. 
• Emotional Care: People experience a wide range of emotions after an abortion or miscarriage; such as relief, sadness, grief, or a mixture of feelings. All of these feelings are valid and normal. Confidential, non-judgmental counseling and support lines are available if you wish to speak with someone. 

When to Seek Emergency Care

You should contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience 

• very heavy bleeding (soaking more than two large pads an hour for two hours in a row), 
• severe pain that does not improve with medication, 
• a high fever, or 
• strong-smelling vaginal discharge. 

Myth busting / Misconception 

Myth: Having an abortion will make it harder to get pregnant in the future.  

Fact: Safe, legal, and uncomplicated abortions do not affect your fertility or increase your risk of complications in future pregnancies. 

Myth: A miscarriage is caused by stress, exercising, or lifting heavy objects.  

Fact: Everyday activities, stress, or working do not cause miscarriages. Most miscarriages happen because the pregnancy was not developing normally due to chromosomal reasons, which are entirely out of the person’s control. 

Myth: You must pay a lot of money or get permission from a family member to get an abortion in Canada. 

Fact: Abortion is treated like any other essential medical service. If you have provincial health insurance (like MCP), the procedure and medications are fully covered. You also do not need anyone’s permission to access this care; it is strictly confidential. 

Finding a Clinic & Making a Decision

• Choice Connect Canada: A confidential app/website to find the nearest abortion provider. https://choiceconnect.ca/ 
• It’s My Choice Decision Aid: A tool to help you think through your options. https://sogc.org/en/en/content/events/HUB-Pages/Abortion.aspx