At our clinic, the word “choice” is about deciding to have an abortion, as well as the abortion method. In addition to surgical abortion, medical abortion has been available since February 2018.

You may choose this method if you meet the following criteria:

• Your pregnancy is under 9 weeks, starting from the first day of your last period;
• You live less than an hour away from a hospital;
• You don’t have anemia (a rapid test will be done if necessary);
• A caregiver (close friend or family member) is available to be present during the second phase.

Here is an overview of the steps to follow:

• Once the pregnancy has been confirmed by the ultrasound and your hemoglobin level has been checked (Note: If you have anemia, a medical abortion is not a good choice as it causes more bleeding than an abortion with instruments), if you have no other contraindications, we will give you the abortive medication.
• The mifepristone medication will be taken orally, at the clinic, noting the time when it is taken. In the vast majority of cases, this medication will not cause any side effects or bleeding, except in rare instances. This medication only stops the pregnancy process and at this stage, you cannot reverse your decision. It will soften and open your cervix to prepare your uterus for the next stage, expulsion.
• This second step will take place using a medication called misoprostol that must be taken 24 to 48 hours after taking the mifepristone (not before 24 hours and no later than 48), even if you have experienced some bleeding after taking the first medication. Four (4) tablets must be allowed to melt in the mouth, between the cheek and the gum line 30 minutes before swallowing them. This is when the presence of a supportive person is important. Misoprostol side effects are severe menstrual cramps (contractions) and sometimes, heavy bleeding. It is exactly like having a miscarriage, consequently. The majority of women expel the pregnancy within 6 hours but it might take several hours, sometimes several days. There is a 5% chance of needing an abortion with instruments.

A follow-up phone call, 2 to 3 weeks later is essential to confirm that your abortion is complete. As you might notice, this is a slightly longer method than the abortion with instruments, but with a 95% success rate.

For more information, please visit the Abortion section of our website or call us at 514-843-7904.

Medication abortion, does not require any handling with instruments in more than 95% of cases, so the risk of complications that may affect your fertility is extremely low.

Abortion with instruments is also very safe and the rate of major complications that could affect your fertility is very low, around 0.1% (1 per 1000).

The main factor that may compromise your fertility is not abortion but your age, because fertility decreases exponentially after age 35. Complications from STDs such as chlamydia or gonorrhea and certain diseases such as endometriosis are next on the list of causes of infertility.

It all depends on the type of abortion chosen.

Thanks to the sedative drugs used, abortion with instruments is often painless. Some women will experience mild abdominal pain, similar to menstrual cramps. The medical staff will make sure to give you the necessary dose of medication so that your abortion experience is as smooth as possible.

Medication abortion often causes a higher level of pain, as the uterus has to expel the pregnancy. The process may take up to several hours. You will be offered oral medication to reduce discomfort during more difficult times.

For more information, please visit the Abortion section of our website or call us at 514-843-7904.