The Abortion Choice
CAUTION:
Be careful when looking for information about abortion. There are agencies and groups that strongly oppose this option. They may claim to provide abortion counselling but do not support abortion as a choice and will not help with abortion referrals. Check carefully when you are calling for help and ask if the agency is pro-choice and will provide a referral to an abortion clinic.
The option of abortion may be the right choice for you if you do not feel you can parent at this time in your life, you are not comfortable with adoption or you do not wish to be pregnant.
Some people think abortion is a choice that people only choose in certain situations, i.e. the person is young or doesn’t have the income to support a child. The truth is there isn’t one “type” of person who this choice is right for - just like there isn’t one “type” of parent. Women of all ages could choose to have an abortion for many reasons. This decision belongs to the individual and she doesn’t need to justify it to anyone. It is hers to make.
The main questions are “Is this the right time for me to have a child?” and “What are my beliefs about abortion?” The following self-questionnaire may help you explore some of your values and feelings about abortion. You might also want to re-read the
Options — Deciding What To Do section.
- What were my views on abortion before I became pregnant?
- Have my views of abortion changed now that I am pregnant?
- Do I have spiritual or moral beliefs that may impact my decision?
- Do I have people in my life that would support me with an abortion choice? Do I feel I need other people to support my choice?
- How do I think I might feel after an abortion?
- Do I feel pressured to make this choice in any way?
- How would making this choice impact my life both in the short and long term?
- What would make this the best choice for me?
Think about your answers and what they mean to you. You may want to discuss your answers with a family member, your partner, a friend or a counselor.
For Men
Although it is a woman’s right to choose whether or not she will have an abortion, many men have feelings about abortion and wonder how best to support their partners through the procedure. How involved should I be? What should I do for her? How will this change our relationship? Is the unintended pregnancy my fault?
In general, the best thing you can do is be actively involved in the entire process. Talk about your feelings and listen to her without trying to resolve her feelings for her. Show initiative by educating yourself about abortion and be prepared to support your partner physically and emotionally. You can accompany your partner to the hospital or clinic and make sure she is well taken care of after the abortion procedure. Some men experience a lot of feelings before and after the abortion procedure. It can help to talk with your partner, but she may be dealing with her own feelings. If you want to speak with someone talk to someone you trust such as a sibling, good friend or parent, or contact us at
403-283-5580 email:
generalmail@calgarysexualhealth.ca
Accessing an Abortion
Access
In Canada, abortion is legal. Access to abortion procedures varies from province to province. The large majority of abortions take place in the first trimester of pregnancy or up to 12 weeks from conception. The latest a woman can have an abortion is usually 20 weeks but not all clinics have the facilities to offer abortions up to 20 weeks. Some clinics in the United States will perform abortions up to 27 weeks.
Before abortions were legal in Canada, women tried various methods to give themselves abortions or went to unqualified people. These “back-alley” abortions were very dangerous because they were often performed under inadequate and unsanitary conditions, and many women died from bleeding or infection. Today abortions are performed either at a hospital or a clinic by qualified doctors. It is a safe procedure with very few physical health risks.
Importance of a Test for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
If you are considering abortion, it is wise to be checked for sexually transmitted infections (STI) before having the procedure. Abortion involves dilating or opening the cervix and if an STD is present, it could move up into the uterus. This may cause more serious complications like infection or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). STIs can be present with few or no symptoms so
you may not be aware you are infected.
STI tests are available at STI Clinics, your doctor’s office and at many health units. Because individual clinics may require other tests before the procedure, and may offer some tests at the time of the procedure, you may want to inquire about testing beforehand.
Consent
Consent for an abortion in Alberta is based on a person’s capacity to understand the procedure. There is not age limit for access to abortion. If the doctor or clinic staff feels you understand the procedure and its risks, you may sign your own consent form.
It’s a good idea for young people to talk with their parents prior to the procedure if they are able to. Most often parents are sympathetic and supportive and feel glad that their daughter came to talk to them. A counsellor can help you plan the conversation.
If you are reluctant to talk with a parent, you do not have to. You may want to think about bringing a partner, friend or other family member for support. People 12 or younger who don’t have a supportive parent they are communicating with will be connected with a community social worker for support.
In some cases, we can arrange for a staff member or volunteer from our agency to accompany you, no matter your age.
Abortion Methods
- Medical Abortion
- Surgical Abortion
- Before A Woman Leaves the Clinic
Medical abortions (also called pharmaceutical abortions) involve using medication (usually a drug called Methotrexate) to stop the development of the embryo and cause the uterus (womb) to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue. Essentially the drug induces a miscarriage. The passing of the pregnancy tissue usually happens at home.
Medical abortions are not the most common method used probably because it can require three visits and potentially up to five visits to a clinic. This method is performed only up to 7 weeks from the first day of a woman’s last period.
An endovaginal (through the vagina) ultrasound will be done to determine the length of the pregnancy. When a woman chooses a medical abortion she will also need to consent to a surgical abortion in case the medical abortion is not successful. This occurs in about 5% of cases.
If the pregnancy is under seven weeks, the doctor will give the woman an injection in the hip or arm to stop the development of the embryo. A woman may feel nothing as a result of the injection or she may experience nausea, diarrhea, chills or fever. Some women may also experience cramps and vaginal bleeding about three days after the injection.
Five days later the woman must insert two Misoprostal tablets as far into the vagina as possible. This drug will cause the uterus to contract and expel the contents of the uterus. For most women this begins within 4 to 12 hours of insertion. Bleeding is heavier than a period and is sometimes accompanied by clots. Cramping may be mild or quite painful during this stage.
If the bleeding is very little, two more tablets must be inserted 24 hours after the first insertion. Painkillers and anti-nauseants can be taken to control any pain and/or nausea that you might experience. The passing of the pregnancy tissue usually happens at home; however once this process is over the woman must return to clinic to ensure that the abortion is complete.
Vacuum aspiration is the most common and safest abortion procedure. It is performed up to 20 weeks from the first day of a woman’s last period (LMP).
A surgical abortion will take between 10 to 15 minutes. A doctor will start an intravenous (I.V.) with a small needle in the woman’s arm or hand and give her some medication to make her feel sleepy and relaxed. The woman will be drowsy but not completely asleep during the procedure. Once these drugs have taken effect, the doctor will put some freezing in the cervix and gently dilate (open) the cervix.
There are two methods that are used to dilate a woman’s cervix: rod dilation and laminaria dilation.
- Rod dilation is early in the pregnancy, generally 13 weeks and under. Just prior to the abortion, tapered metal rods are inserted into the vagina and used to gradually open the cervix.
- Laminaria dilation is used for later term abortions. This will require two visits to the clinic or hospital. A laminaria (it looks like a small stick) is inserted in the cervix usually the day before the procedure. The laminaria absorbs moisture in the body and gently opens the cervix. The woman returns to the clinic the next day for the procedure.
Once the cervix is opened the doctor will then insert a small tube to gently remove the contents of the uterus (womb). A woman may notice a feeling of pressure and some cramps in her lower abdomen. Most women do not feel any pain at all. Afterwards, most women do not remember very much about the procedure because they will be very drowsy from the medication.
When the abortion is done, a woman can expect to remain at the clinic for about 30 to 45 minutes until the effects of the drugs wear off. A woman can expect to be at the clinic for 2 to 3 hours in total for the procedure. A nurse will check the woman’s blood pressure and give her something small to eat and drink. As soon as the woman feels well she can go home. It is important to arrange a ride home from the clinic (either from a support person or a taxi). DO NOT drive yourself home; the drugs from the procedure may affect your ability to drive for up to 24 hours following the procedure.
Before A Woman Leaves the Clinic
What to Expect After the Procedure
- Some women feel light-headed and tired on the day of the abortion.
- Signs of pregnancy (such as nausea or breast tenderness) should stop within about 4 to 5 days.
- A woman can expect to have vaginal bleeding similar to a period for about one week. Small blood clots may also be passed. Use sanitary pads until bleeding stops. DO NOT USE TAMPONS AS THIS COULD LEAD TO AN INFECTION.
- Some women experience abdominal cramps. Medicine such as an acetaminophen or an ibuprofen product can be taken to alleviate any discomfort.
- Because of the medication given during the procedure, a woman’s judgment and memory may be affected for up to 24 hours. Women should not drive for 24 hours.
- Most women feel well enough to go back to work or school the next day. It is recommended that women try to avoid strenuous exercise for a few days and try to get lots of rest.
- Women can shower or bath after the procedure. It is recommended to use plain soap, not bubble bath and do not douche as this could lead to infection.
- To avoid an increased risk of infection and to give the body time to heal, avoid having sexual intercourse for three weeks after the abortion.
- A check-up should be arranged with a doctor 2 weeks after the abortion.
- Women can expect to get their next normal period in about 4 to 6 weeks.
- A pregnancy test may remain positive for about 2 weeks after an abortion while the body readjusts.
Although surgical abortion is a safe and relatively short procedure, it can be stressful and emotionally draining. Some women have lots of support while others keep the abortion very private. Regardless of your circumstances, we suggest you take some time to rest and take care of yourself after having an abortion.
Potential Risks
Abortion is a very safe procedure, but all medical procedures have some risk. The most common problems are hemorrhaging (bleeding), infection and drug side effects. This happens to fewer than 1 in 100 women.
Warning Signs
If a woman experiences any one or more of the following symptoms within a few days of an abortion, she should call the clinic where she had the abortion performed, a doctor or go to an emergency department.
- Fever over 37.8 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Pain in your abdomen that is worse than period cramps.
- Bleeding heavier than a normal menstrual period (i.e.: soaking a large pad in less than one hour).
- Discharge from the vagina that smells bad.
- Prolonged signs of pregnancy such as continuing sore breasts or nausea.
- No period after 6 — 8 weeks
Birth Control
It is possible to get pregnant soon after an abortion. It is wise to plan for birth control and have the supplies needed before having intercourse again. If a woman plans to start using birth control pills, she should take her first pill the day after her abortion. Condoms are also recommended to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Your Feelings
Women generally have a lot of different feelings both before and after an abortion. You might feel sad, relieved, angry, happy or all of these feelings at once. It is important to honor your feelings and acknowledge them. They are normal. It also helps to realize that after an abortion, the body’s hormones are rapidly adjusting to the new reality of non-pregnancy. If you would like to talk about your feelings, speak to someone you trust, or contact us at
403-283-5580 or email:
generalmail@calgarysexualhealth.ca
Abortion Myths
Abortion is used as a birth control method.
This is not true. The factors influencing a woman’s decision to have an abortion are complex and it is a decision that is not made lightly. In countries like the Netherlands where contraceptives and abortions are both readily accessible, the abortion rate is very low due to extensive use of contraceptives confirming the fact that abortion is only used as a last resort.
If a woman has sex she has to pay the consequence.
This statement is really saying that motherhood is punishment for having sexual intercourse. Forcing a child to be born in order to punish its mother devalues both childhood and motherhood. This statement places guilt on a woman when compassion is needed.
Abortion causes psychological problems for women.
There is no evidence to support the existence of a ‘post abortion syndrome’. Women who have had an abortion don’t experience any more psychological difficulties than those who carry an unwanted pregnancy to term. Many negative feelings are related to an unwanted pregnancy. An abortion can bring negative feelings as well, but usually brings feelings of relief. Women who choose an abortion and are denied one or are pressured to carry the pregnancy to term have a greater risk of psychological problems. Calgary Sexual Health Centre provides post abortion counseling services for those who are experiencing psychological difficulties following the procedure.
Abortion increases a woman’s risk of breast cancer.
The Canadian Cancer Society reports that abortion is NOT associated with an increase in breast cancer risk.
Click
here for more information.
Abortion increases the risk of infertility.
Abortion is now a safe medical procedure that poses no risk of infertility, future miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. Women experienced far greater risks of infertility when the procedure was not legal or safe.
Unwanted children can become wanted.
This is true in some cases but unfortunately not all. Some unwanted babies are abused and neglected, and suffer lifelong developmental and social problems.
Adoption is preferable to abortion.
This is a personal choice. Some women choose adoption but many more choose single parenthood. It is not fair to demand that a woman put her child up for adoption.
Abortion is killing an unborn child.
The Canadian Medical Association and the Supreme Court of Canada support the difference between the “potential” life of an embryo and personhood that begins at birth. An embryo does have the potential to become a person, but it is not a person yet. There is a legally recognized distinction between an unborn fetus and a baby.
Abortion is available up to nine months.
According to Statistics Canada 90% of abortions in 2003 were performed in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy with only 0 .7% performed after 20 weeks. Of those abortions performed after 20 weeks, most would have been for fatal or serious birth defects in the fetus.
For more information about abortion see
Canadians for Choice, the
Pro-Choice Action Network or
Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada
Resources
ABORTION PROVIDERS
- Kensington Clinic
- Women’s Health Clinic
2431 – 5 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 0T3
Calgary Phone: 403-283-9117
Medical abortions up to 7 weeks; surgical abortions up to 20 weeks; pre-abortion counseling
Kensington Clinic
Peter Lougheed Centre
3500 26 Avenue N.E.
Calgary Phone: 403-943-5716
Surgical abortions up to 20 weeks
Women’s Health Clinic
POST-ABORTION COUNSELLING
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