Abortion methods at a glance
Everywoman’s Health Centre is expanding access to procedural abortion. Please note that as of July 2025, we are only offering procedural abortion and miscarriage management. If you are seeking medication abortion, please contact Willow Clinic.
Both abortion methods are very safe, with low rates of complications . Both have no effect on future fertility or pregnancies unless there is an extremely rare complication. Please note: procedural abortion is an option in very early in pregnancy and medication abortion is not the only good choice for early pregnancies.
Procedural Abortion
Success rate: More than 99%
Appointments and time off: Usually one appointment and short recovery time
Process: During a 7-8 minute procedure, a doctor uses gentle suction to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. Time at the clinic is usually 2-3 hours.
Cost: Covered under MSP. $700 without MSP.
Pain: From mild to very strong cramping during the abortion, often some cramping after. Pain medication given, including intravenous sedation.
Bleeding: Usually light to moderate bleeding, most often less than a period. Bleeding and/or spotting may last for up to two weeks, sometimes up to the next period.
Side Effects: May have dizziness, nausea or vomiting for a short time after the procedure.
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Medication Abortion
Success rate: 95-97% by 1-2 week follow-up
Appointments and time off: Usually three appointments but the second two (several weeks apart) are usually by phone. Usually means more time to rest than with a procedure.
Process: The first pill disrupts the pregnancy and the second one makes the uterus contract and push out the pregnancy, usually within 4-6 hours.
Cost: Covered under MSP. About $985 without MSP, about $410 with medical insurance from another province other than Quebec
Pain: From mild to very strong cramping when passing the pregnancy (usually 2 to 6 hours). Pain medication prescribed, used as needed. Off and on cramps can last for a few days.
Bleeding: Heavy bleeding and passing clots are normal during the abortion process. Bleeding and/or spotting can last up to the first period 4-6 weeks after.
Side effects: Many have flu like symptoms for a few hours including diarrhoea, fever, and chills.
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Detailed medication and procedural abortion comparison
