Aspiration abortion

1. It is over more quickly – only one appointment is usually necessary and it often requires less time off work than a medication abortion.
2. Although it is sometimes known as a “surgical” abortion, it is a very simple, safe procedure that involves gentle suction (there are no incisions/cuts, stitches or scarring).
3. Recovery for most people is very fast, with most able to return to normal activities within a day or two.
4. It has a lower failure rate than medical abortion.
5. There is typically less bleeding with an aspiration abortion than with a medical abortion –
   with aspiration, bleeding tends to be less than a period; with a medication abortion bleeding tends to be heavier than a period.
6. There is often less pain for less time than with a medication abortion.
7. If you have severe anemia (low iron), this is the recommended procedure as a medical abortion includes more bleeding.
8. It may be easier to keep an aspiration abortion private as there is minimal bleeding and cramping at home.
9. It is possible to have an IUD inserted during the procedure itself (which makes insertion
   more comfortable).
10. During the abortion you have on site support from medical staff and counsellors.
11. If you do not have BC medical (MSP/a Care Card), aspiration abortion is the more affordable option.

1. Some women feel anxious in a medical setting or having a medical procedure where a doctor inserts instruments into the uterus.
2. Anaesthetics and drugs to manage pain during the procedure may cause some short-term side effects such as dizziness or nausea (serious problems are extremely rare).
3. You must have a ride, a companion with you on transit, or take a taxi to get home from the clinic.
4. If your body mass index is over 40 we cannot give intravenous sedation, and over 45 we cannot offer aspiration abortion in our clinic.
5. Because a medical abortion happens at home it can feel like you have more control over the process.

The cost of a aspiration abortion is covered by the Medical Insurance Plan of BC (MSP).

Those who are not eligible for MSP, including those with out-of-province medical coverage, will pay a fee of between $700 and $750 for the aspiration abortion procedure. If you are unsure whether you have coverage or not, please check with the MSP website or call:
Lower Mainland: 604 683-7151
Elsewhere in BC: 1 800 663-7100 (toll-free)

There is more information on our fees page.

Will it hurt?

What you feel during an abortion varies a lot. Many say the abortion procedure is uncomfortable rather than painful. Most will have some strong period-like cramps that ease off a short time after the abortion. We offer medications that help reduce pain and anxiety.

How much bleeding will I have?

The amount of bleeding afterwards varies from none to something like a period. Often it is like the end of a period, stopping and starting again, lasting from a day or two to several weeks. Please see the aspiration aftercare page on how to take care of yourself after the procedure.

Do I need a referral from a doctor?

No, but we encourage you to get your pregnancy confirmed at a walk-in clinic or at your doctor’s office. If you do see a doctor about this pregnancy, please call before your procedure with the doctor/clinic name and telephone number or bring this information on the day of your appointment.

Can I drive myself?

For safety reasons, you are not allowed to drive for 24 hours after your procedure. If you must drive here someone else will have to drive you home or we will not be able to do the procedure.

Will this affect future pregnancies?

Unless there is an extremely rare complication, the abortion will have no effect on future pregnancies. In fact, you are fertile again right after an abortion and it is possible to get pregnant again right away. We can help you decide about birth control options when you are here.

How long will I be in the clinic?

Usually you are in the clinic for two to three hours, sometimes four.

Should I do a pregnancy test afterwards?

NO! Because the pregnancy hormones leave the body slowly, a pregnancy test can still be positive weeks after an abortion has removed the pregnancy.

How much does it cost?

If you have BC medical coverage (MSP) then there is no charge. If you do not have BC medical coverage then the cost is $500-550. See our Fees page for more information.

Can I get my tubes tied at the same time?

We don’t do tubal ligation at Everywoman’s, but you can have your tubes tied at the same time as an abortion through the CARE Program at BC Women’s Hospital.

Can I have someone with me?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only those with appointments are allowed in the clinic.

Do I have to make an appointment?

Yes. We do not offer drop-in for any of our services. You must make an appointment for an abortion because we need to have some information ahead of time and there are some things we need to tell you as well. Please call us for appointment. [See our Request an appointment page.]