WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY OF YOUR APPOINTMENT

Sometimes just knowing what to expect can help lessen any trepidation that may arise prior to an appointment. 

Described here is a general look at what to expect during a typical Medical or Surgical Abortion appointment, which we split into two (2) general stages: Reception and Counselling, which all patients receive, followed by either the Medical or Surgical Appointment. 

• We collect all your lab specimens at the clinic and forward to the labs. There is no need for you to visit a lab on your own except prior to the follow-up visit.
• We dispense the abortion pill at the clinic so there is no need to visit the pharmacist.
• We do all the ultrasounds for the first and follow-up appointments at the clinic. There is no need for an external ultrasound, unless there are complications.
• For patient privacy concerns, only an interpreter is allowed with you into the clinic.
• You must bring your Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card or Insurance Documents.
• There are fees for optional services that are not covered by OHIP or other insurance parties; you do not have to pay or receive these uninsured services to access an abortion.
• If you have an IUD, it will be removed during your visit. Please inform us, if this is the case.

We bill most 3rd party insurance companies on your behalf, so there is no need to pay up-front and collect later. We also reciprocal bill out-of-province patients on your behalf. And, of course, uninsured and out-of-country patients are also welcome. 

• Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a receptionist who will ask you to complete a medical history form and review pre-counselling material.
• The nurse/counsellor will then meet with you privately to talk about what your various options are, if an abortion is wanted, and what kind makes sense for you.
• The nurse/counsellor will then review your medical history, and explain what to expect with abortion, how to take any medications, follow-up plans, as well as answering any questions or concerns you may have.

• After counselling you will meet with the physician to assess your eligibility for a safe Medical Abortion.
• A dating ultrasound will be done to ensure that your pregnancy is less than 9 weeks (63 days)
• You will require a blood test 
• If your blood type is Rh-negative you will be given a WinRho (RhoGAM) injection to protect any future pregnancies.
• If deemed safe, you will take the first tablet (mifepristone) under the supervision of your doctor.
• You will be provided with a kit to take home that includes four (4) misoprostol tablets (to take between 24 to 48 hours after taking first tablet).
• You will be given a lab requisition form and reminded that a second blood test is required in 7 days from your first clinic visit. This test can be done at any laboratory for your convenience.
• You will be offered a follow-up appointment in 14 to 21 days from your first clinic visit, to confirm that the abortion is complete. If the abortion is not complete, additional medication, or a surgical procedure, may be recommended.
• Our health professionals will monitor your lab work and will contact you if there are any concerns. They are also available to answer any concerns you may have throughout your case.

A Patient Information Brochure is provided below, to help provide some more details about Medical Abortion.

• After counselling you will disrobe below the waist and don a paper gown.
• A dating ultrasound will be done to ensure that your pregnancy is less than 18 weeks
• If your blood type is Rh-negative, you will be given a WinRho (RhoGAM) injection to protect future pregnancies.

STANDARD D&C PROCEDURE COMMON TO ALL SURGICAL ABORTIONS UP TO 18 WEEKS

• You will meet the doctor who will confirm your procedure, address any remaining concerns you might have, and begin the procedure.
• A nurse will insert an I.V. into your arm and you will be given a sedative and pain killer.
• The doctors will insert a speculum into your vagina.
• Next, they inject a local anesthetic into your cervix.
• The doctor will then dilate the cervix with progressively sized dilators.
• After sufficient dilation, a small surgical instrument, called a curette, is then inserted into the uterus through the dilated cervix and gently brushes the lining of the uterus.
• Next a plastic device is connected to a suction and introduced into the uterus to remove all the tissue.
• The staff confirm the procedure is complete and the doctor applies a topical disinfectant.
• You are then placed in the recovery room monitored by a nurse.
• A nurse will discharge you from recovery and you can leave. Usually about ½ hour, but everyone reacts differently to the procedure.

12 WEEKS AND UNDER

• No additional steps beyond our standard D&C.

12 TO 14 WEEKS

• You may be given a hormone-blocking tablet to help soften your cervix and prepare for the procedure, this takes about two (2) hours to take effect.
• After a few hours you will have the standard D&C procedure, as described above.

14 TO 18 WEEKS

• This procedure is completed in 2 appointments, 24 hours apart.
• During the first appointment, the doctor will exam you and may perform some dilation, similar to what is described above.
• The doctor will then insert a special device that swells over time, slowly and gently dilating the cervix to prepare for the abortion procedure. Medications may also be given.
• The following day you will have the standard D&C procedure, as described above. 

Please remember that our Clinic is always available should you have any questions, and our experienced staff will monitor your lab work and follow up with you if necessary.

You will also have our 24-hour telephone support number, provided at the end of your appointment.