About a medication abortion.
We offer free medication abortion services in-person, virtually, or by telephone.
By accessing a medication abortion virtually or by telephone, you can have abortion care anywhere in Ontario - from your own home, without needing to visit a clinic or hospital. The medications will be prescribed and picked up at the pharmacy of your choice.
The initial visit includes a medical history to make sure a medication abortion is an appropriate choice for you. If it is, we will review how to take the medications, send a prescription to your pharmacy, and book a follow up appointment with you. It is important to note that medication abortion is only available up to 70 days after your last menstrual period (LMP). If you are not sure of when your LMP was we can arrange for an ultrasound to help determine that.
How does medication abortion work?
A medication abortion involves taking a medication called "Mifegymiso." This is a combination of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifegymiso is free to anyone in Ontario with a valid health card.
Step 1: Mifepristone: this medication blocks the hormone progesterone, which causes the lining of the uterus to break down. Mifepristone is taken by mouth.
Step 2: Misoprostol: this medication causes the uterus to contract and for you to start bleeding, typically within a few hours of taking the medication. Misoprostol is taken by mouth.
What to expect during & after a medication abortion?
During the medication abortion process, you will experience cramping, bleeding and the passing of clots and tissue from your uterus. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and chills. These symptoms usually last for a few hours and can be managed with over the counter pain medication and rest. You may have some bleeding and cramps for up to two weeks afterwards. We will arrange a follow up appointment with you 7-14 days after you take the medication.
How do I know the medication abortion worked?
There are several methods to ensure that the abortion is complete - history, blood work, ultrasound, and/or urine test. Each method takes a different amount of time. The blood test can confirm within a week, while the urine test may take a month. We will go over each of the options in more detail at your appointment.
How effective is a medication abortion?
Medication abortion is very effective. It works about 98% of the time for people who are less than 8 weeks from their LMP. From 8-9 weeks it works about 96% of the time and for 9 to 10 weeks 91% to 93% of the time. If the medication does not work for you, we can make a referral for a surgical abortion.
For more information, please visit the following websites:
Medication abortion is a safe and effective and you have the right to make informed decisions about your reproductive healthcare.