Making a decision
Your decision to have an abortion is a personal one. This may be a difficult decision for you or it may not. You may still be in the process of making this decision. Our clinic is here to support you in the decisions you want to make. Your choice is likely to be based on what is happening in your life right now and on what you want for yourself in the future. Your reasons are unique to you; only you can choose what is best in the circumstances, for you and the others involved.
In choosing to have an abortion you may experience a wide range of feelings: strength, fear, grief, confidence, loneliness, relief. There is no single “right way” to feel, so try not to judge your experience or your feelings. You may wish to talk about your feelings with someone you trust who cares about you and will support you. Be gentle with yourself; cry if you need to. Give yourself time to know your emotions and accept them. With or without the support of others, you have made or are making an important decision which is morally, ethically, and legally responsible. This takes courage, and we are here to support you.
We have materials about coping and caring for yourself afterwards. We also offer post-abortion counselling sessions to anyone who needs them and have resources for afterwards and we can also make referrals for ongoing counselling.
Some resources
The Pregnancy Options Workbook is an excellent source of help with the decision. Support persons can find specific information on how to support a woman during a pregnancy decision/before an abortion here.
All-Options is an organization that runs a talk line offering a safe and confidential space to talk openly about pregnancy, abortion, adoption, and parenting. Call toll free 1-888-493-0092. Hours are Monday – Thursday 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and Friday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
We have written about some of the different circumstances that can impact a decision to have an abortion or the experience of having one.
A word of caution
There are many anti-abortion websites that have frightening and inaccurate information about abortion. The links page on this website lists plenty of pro-choice organizations that are good sources of information.
Counselling
You can also book an appointment to discuss your decision with one of our counsellors. Counselling sessions, which are free of charge, can be in person or over the telephone. If you book an appointment for an abortion with us and then change your mind, please call us or email to cancel your appointment.
If you would like to speak with a professional counsellor outside of our clinic, we have resource numbers here.