What is abortion?
Abortion is a safe and legal way to end a pregnancy. It’s part of essential health care in Canada and free in BC through the medical services plan (MSP).
Everyone has the right to make decisions about their own body—no one (partner, parent, or anyone else) can pressure you to continue or end a pregnancy.
There are two types of abortion
- Medical abortion: You take pills early in pregnancy, usually at home
- Surgical abortion: A short procedure done in a hospital
Explore your options: It’s my choice - Sex & U
How common is it?
About 1 in 3 Canadian women will have an abortion. Trans, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals may also seek abortion care.
How to access abortion services
Northern Health offers both types of abortion in private and supportive, non-judgmental, confidential settings. Services may be different depending on where you live.
To get help or learn more, talk to a health care provider or contact one of the trusted services below:
- Family doctor, nurse practitioner, or community health nurse
- First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day: 1-855-344-3800
- Northern Health Virtual Clinic: 1-844-645-7811
- Options for Sexual Health Clinic
- Pregnancy Options Line: 1-888-875-3163
- Sex Sense: 1-800-SEX-SENSE (1-800-739-7367)
- Willow Clinic (offers medical abortion at a distance)
- Your local health unit or centre
Abortion options in Vancouver
- Everywoman’s Health Centre - First trimester procedural abortion care
- CARE Program | BC Women’s Hospital – Second trimester procedural abortion
- The Fireweed Project - Indigenous Peoples and the Right to Abortion
Learn more
- Abortion - Options for Sexual Health
- Abortion - Sex & U
- Abortion access and Indigenous Peoples in Canada - Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights
- Abortion and contraception - HealthLink BC
- Abortion services - Government of BC
Watch out for misinformation
Some pregnancy counselling centres may be anti-choice and provide misleading information.
For accurate, nonjudgmental, pro-choice support, contact Sex Sense or one of the trusted services listed above.
Have questions?
Sex Sense is available Monday to Friday, 9 a m to 9 pm.
1-800-739-7367