• Health
• Sexual and Reproductive Health
• Reproductive and Sexual Health

How do I access abortion services in Ontario?

Abortion is legal throughout Canada and can be accessed by anyone over the age of 12. Abortion ends a pregnancy by taking medicine or having a surgical procedure. Abortions are available in every province and territory; however not every city has equal access.

What abortion methods are available and how can I access them?

Medical abortion is available up to nine weeks (63 days) which is measured from the first day of your last menstrual period. This method involves taking a medication called Mifegymiso. This medicine is obtained by prescription, which can be written by your healthcare provider. If you don't have one, you can go to a walk-in clinic or community health centre.

Surgical abortions are available up until 24 weeks gestation. This medical procedure removes the pregnancy tissue and is performed in a hospital or clinic. The kind of procedure you have may depend on how long you have been pregnant. 

Both methods are both covered by OHIP in Ontario.

You can find a hospital or clinic that provides abortion services in your area with the choiceconnect.ca tool or you can contact 211 for confidential information and referrals.

Can anyone have an abortion in Ontario?

In Canada, anyone over the age of 12 years can access abortion without parental consent. You do not need others to be involved unless you choose to do so. You do not need a referral to access abortion services.

All information relating to your abortion is confidential. 

How can I access these services if I am not covered by OHIP?

Some Community Health Centres offer services to people without OHIP. Organizations like Planned Parenthood will offer care to people between 13-29 years of age without a health card.

If you are from another part of Canada

You can ask your healthcare provider if they accept other healthcare plans. You can also check with provincial or territorial health care if they cover abortions performed in another region of Canada. 

If you have private insurance

You may be covered for abortion procedures if you have private insurance. There may be a need to pay for costs and submit them to your insurance for reimbursement.

If you have no coverage

If you are not covered by Canadian health care or private insurance, you will likely be responsible for the costs of an abortion.

The cost of an abortion is estimated between $300 and $2300, depending on the stage of pregnancy and the clinic chosen. Procedures performed in early pregnancy usually cost around $500. 

Toronto hospitals may offer financial assistance for surgical abortions performed up to 14 weeks. You can contact Bay Centre Sexual Health at Women’s College Hospital for more information.

Some clinics have special funds to help people in need with the costs of abortion procedures. You can call the clinic you want to visit or Planned Parenthood to get more information.

For More Information

• Choiceconnect.ca - Helps find the nearest abortion provider based on needs. The app features detailed referral information for more than 120 abortion providers and clinics across Canada. The web app is anonymous and free to use. From the SHORE Centre.
• The Access Line – A free, confidential phone and text line. It is available for questions about sexual health, pregnancy options, abortion, and safer sex. Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights.
• Planned Parenthood - A community health centre for young people (13-29) providing primary, sexual and mental health care, and community programs. You also don’t need an OHIP card.