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Abortion
Access to safe and legal abortion is a core human right in Canada.
What is an Abortion?
- An abortion refers to the end of a pregnancy.
- A pregnancy that ends without medical intervention is called a miscarriage or spontaneous abortion.
- Procedural and medical abortion require intervention from healthcare providers such as doctors and nurses.
Types of Abortion
There are two types of abortions to consider: Procedural Abortion and Medical Abortion.
Procedural abortion (click to expand) »
A procedural abortion is also known as aspiration abortion. During this procedure, a healthcare professional uses a vacuum device to empty the contents of the uterus.
For more information on procedural abortion, click here.
Medical abortion (click to expand) »
A medical abortion uses a combination of pills (mifepristone/misoprostol) to end the pregnancy by inducing a miscarriage.
For more information on medical abortion, click here.
Both medical and procedural abortion are safe and have low rates of complications and do not affect your chances of becoming pregnant in the future.
Where Can I Access Abortion Services?
Abortion services are available through some physicians and health care services in NL, including the Health Sciences Centre and Athena Health Centre. Talk to your health-care provider or contact Athena Health Centre for Abortion access information.
More information about Athena Health Centre (click to expand) »
- Both medical and procedural abortion options are available.
- You can call and make an appointment yourself. Staff are available to talk to you and answer questions.
- A doctor or nurse practitioner can refer you to abortion services if you prefer.
- Parental consent is not required (at any age). If you would like to involve your parent in this process, you are welcome to do so. However, your parent does not need to consent or be present.
- Athena clinics are scheduled approximately every 4-6 weeks for either the western or central portions of the island. Clinics are not offered in Labrador at this time.
Athena Health Centre
Phone: Tel: (709) 754-3572, Toll-Free: 1-800-755-2044
Email: athenahealthcentre@bellaliant.com
Facebook: Athena Health Care Centre Inc.
Is There a Cost?
In Newfoundland and Labrador, MCP covers the cost of abortion services.
If you do not have an MCP card, support for abortion cost is available through the following:
- Call the access line: 1‑888‑642‑2725 or text: 613-800-6757 (Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights)
- Dr. Morgentaler Patient Assistance Fund
NAF Hotline at 1-800-772-9100
National Abortion Federation Canada (nafcanada.org)
Services related to this information:
- Athena Health Centre
Tel: (709) 754-3572, Toll-Free: 1-800-755-2044
Email: athenahealthcentre@bellaliant.com
Facebook: Athena Health Care Centre Inc.- Action Canada For Sexual Health Rights Access Line – Call 1-888-642-2725 or text 613-800-6757
- Safe Abortion (SA) App, Hesperian Health Guides
After downloading, Safe Abortion works fully offline without a data plan or internet access and does not collect personal information! Available in 11 languages. It is to be used by individuals, health workers, and advocates.- Contact your Public Health Nurse.
- 811 HealthLine (Newfoundland & Labrador) – Call 811 or 1-888-709-2929 / TTY 1-888-709-3555
- 811 is free and confidential. 811 is available 24/7 and can provide support with mental health and addictions issues and more.
- Services formerly offered by the Provincial Mental Health Crisis Line are now offered by 811. Call 811 to speak with a registered nurse who is also a trained crisis intervener.