Every person should have the right to choose how they want to move forward with a pregnancy. Should an individual come to the decision to terminate a pregnancy they should be provided with the correct information that will help them decide what safe and effective method should be used. The medical abortion and the surgical abortion are the two options available for childbearing individuals in Canada.
What is the abortion pill?
A medical abortion is where two anti-hormone drugs are used alongside each other to terminate a pregnancy. The names for the drugs used in Canada are Mifepristone and Misoprostol.
How does it work?
Mifepristone blocks out the effects of the hormone progesterone. Normally, progesterone is needed to maintain a pregnancy, so stopping its normal function helps to end a pregnancy.
Misoprostol works by mimicking a hormone in the body, that causes your uterus to contract and your cervix to relax. The science behind this is like the end of the menstrual cycle when you get your period.
First a Mifepristone tablet is taken, then 24-48 hours Misoprostol is taken.
Who can get it?
Anyone who less than 9 weeks pregnant can be prescribed these drugs.
What is the cost?
If you have a Manitoba Health card, a medical abortion is free.
Without a Manitoba health card the cost varies from $300-$450.
Where can you get it in Winnipeg?
The Women’s Health Clinic: 204-477-1887
What is the aspiration abortion?
An another procedure to terminate a pregnancy.
How does it work?
A medical professional puts a medical tool into the vagina and uses it to remove the contents of the uterus. This method is safe and hasn’t been shown to have the ability to affect future pregnancies.
Who can get it?
Anyone who is less than 19 weeks and 6 days can access an aspiration abortion.
What is the cost?
If you have a Manitoba Health card, a medical abortion is free.
Without a Manitoba health card, the cost varies from $300-$450.
Where can you get it in Winnipeg?
The Women’s Health Clinic: 204-477-1887
Please note that in Canada, there is no requirement for the consent of a parent or partner when accessing an abortion.
All in all, if you are pregnant there are options for you if you choose to end the pregnancy. Remember the decision is always yours to make. Lastly, whether you are considering an abortion or just wanting to learn more about reproductive health, I welcome everyone to check out the mental health resources below if they feel they are needed.
Student Counselling Centre – 204-474-8592
University Health Service – 204-474-8411
Klinic Crisis Line (off-campus) – 1(888)322-3019
Sexual Violence Resource Centre – 204-474-6562
References
About the Author
Tee-Tee
Hello everyone! I am a fourth-year student in the Faculty of Science majoring in Genetics. This is my third year as a Healthy U volunteer, and I have learnt so much during my time volunteering. I am extremely passionate about Healthy U and cannot wait to contribute another year helping to support and educate students at our university.
In my spare time, I enjoy jogging, playing the piano and baking.