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Contraception

There are lots of options for birth control to help avoid unplanned pregnancy. Check out this section to learn about your contraceptive options and where to access them.

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FAQs About Abortion

Do I have to tell my parent(s)/guardians that I’m thinking about an abortion?

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No. Youth can access abortion without their parent/guardian’s knowledge or permission. By law, their medical information must be kept confidential.

Do I need to pay for an abortion?

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 Abortion is 100% covered by the BC Medical Service Plan (MSP). You do not need to pay if you have BC MSP.

What if I feel pressured to continue the pregnancy?

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In Canada, the only person who gets to decide what a person does with their pregnancy is the pregnant person. A pregnant person may choose to take their partner’s or their parents’ opinion into consideration, but no one can be forced to continue with a pregnancy or to have an abortion if they don’t want to.

Will an abortion affect my ability to have kids in the future?

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No. Abortion procedures are very safe and do not reduce your chance of becoming pregnant in the future.

Why would someone get an abortion?

Abortion is common, and people have abortions for many different reasons.  Only you know what’s best for you. Good information and support can help you make the decision that’s best for your own health and well-being.

Deciding to have an abortion doesn’t mean you don’t want or love children. Everyone has their own unique and valid reasons for having an abortion. Some of the many different reasons people decide to end a pregnancy include:

  • They’re not ready to be a parent yet.
  • It’s not a good time in their life to have a baby.
  • They want to finish school, focus on work or achieve other goals before having a baby.
  • They’re not in a relationship with someone they want to have a baby with.
  • They’re in an abusive relationship or were sexually assaulted.
  • The pregnancy is dangerous or bad for their health.
  • The fetus won’t survive the pregnancy or will suffer after birth.
  • They just don’t want to be a parent.

Family, relationships, school, work, life goals, health, safety and personal beliefs are all things that might go into the decision of having an abortion. You’re the only person walking in your shoes and the only person who can decide whether to have an abortion. 

Here are some things to consider if you are thinking about an abortion:

  • Am I ready to be a parent?
  • What would it mean for my future if I had a child now?
  • How would being a parent affect my career goals?
  • Do I have strong personal or religious beliefs about abortion?
  • Is anyone pressuring me to have or not have an abortion?
  • Would having a baby change my life in a way I do or don’t want?
  • Would having an abortion change my life in a way I do or don’t want?
  • What kind of support would I need and get if I decided to get an abortion?
  • What kind of support would I need and get if I decided to have a baby?

What is a miscarriage?

When you have a miscarriage, you experience a sudden pregnancy loss before you’re 20 weeks pregnant. Miscarriages are not anyone’s fault, and they are not uncommon. They can happen even before a person knows they are pregnant. A miscarriage doesn’t happen all at once. It usually takes place over several days, and symptoms vary. You’ll likely have symptoms including:

  • Cramping or pain in the lower back or abdomen
  • Heavy bleeding, possibly with clots or tissue, that is similar to a period
  • Lighter bleeding that lasts for more than three days
  • A disappearance of any pregnancy signs you were experiencing, such as nausea and breast tenderness

The insensitivity an adult might experience around miscarriage can be worse for younger people, who are often told, “This is a blessing,” or “This worked out for the best,” or even, “You got lucky” – all of which are terrible things to say to someone who has just had not only a potentially painful physical experience, but also an emotional loss. Youth may feel guilty about getting pregnant in the first place, or guilty about the loss.

Young people should be treated with respect and compassion during a miscarriage.  Someone who has been through a miscarriage is allowed to feel whatever they need to and is encouraged to talk to their support system when they need it.

What happens after I’m no longer pregnant?

It is important to follow the instructions given to you by your healthcare provider. Some clinics may tell you to schedule a follow-up appointment to check if everything is doing okay physically.

Talk to your health care provider about your fertility and plans for future children (if any). 

At the end of a pregnancy – no matter how it ends – you may have a variety of feelings, including relief and sadness. There are many services that provide emotional support after a pregnancy ends if you need them. You can also talk to family or friends that you trust for emotional support.

 

 

Pregnancy is a big deal and should be approached with care. No matter what your decision is, you know your body best and no one should feel entitled to tell you otherwise. By being aware of what might happen and what options you have, you can make an informed decision for your future.