Toronto

Canada / Ontario / Toronto

INTRODUCTION

Toronto est la plus grande ville du Canada. Par conséquent, vous y trouverez une offre de soins diversifiée. Vous pourrez également vous procurer le moyen de contraception de votre choix, que ce soit des préservatifs, des pilules, des patchs, des injections, etc. Le système de santé canadien ne prend pas en charge tous les moyens de contraception. Cependant, vous pouvez trouver des pilules et des DIU (pose comprise) moins chers dans les cliniques de santé sexuelle publiques. Vous pouvez acheter un moyen de contraception d'urgence (« pilule du lendemain ») dans les pharmacies ou en obtenir un dans une clinique de santé sexuelle. Officiellement, les contraceptions d'urgence sont délivrées sans condition d'âge. Néanmoins, certains pharmaciens peuvent refuser de délivrer une pilule du lendemain aux personnes mineures. De nombreuses cliniques de santé sexuelle publiques proposent des tests de dépistage des IST. Certaines d'entre elles ne proposent que des tests de dépistage du VIH, tandis que d'autres cliniques peuvent réaliser des tests pour différentes IST si vous prenez rendez-vous. Vous pouvez également vous faire vacciner gratuitement contre les infections par les VPH. Vous pouvez accéder à un TPE (traitement post-exposition) ou à une PrEP (prophylaxie pré-exposition). Les congés maternité et paternité sont couverts par l'assurance-emploi (AE). Vous pouvez obtenir un avortement dans les hôpitaux, les cliniques à gestion privée ou les centres de planning familial. Si vous êtes Canadienne ou résidente permanente du Canada, les coûts sont pris en charge par l'État. Si vous n'êtes pas Canadienne ou résidente permanente du Canada, les coûts varient entre 300$ et 900$, mais des aides financières existent.

Contraception

Note : il existe de nombreux moyens de contraception, comme les DIU (dispositifs intra-utérins ou stérilets), les contraceptions orales, les patchs, les injections, les préservatifs, etc. Pour une liste complète, cliquez ici.

Lois et stigmatisation sociale

Au Canada, vous trouverez des préservatifs dans de nombreux magasins. Pour les autres contraceptifs, tels que la pilule, le stérilet, l'injection ou l'implant, il faut l'ordonnance d'un médecin ou d'une infirmière.

Globalement, il existe un taux élevé d'utilisation des moyens de contraception au Canada. On estime que plus de 70 % des Canadiennes (en âge de procréer) utilisent des méthodes contraceptives modernes, et près de 22 % des Canadiens ont eu recours à la stérilisation. Pourtant, certaines femmes se heurtent toujours à des difficultés pour accéder à un moyen de contraception. La Société des obstétriciens et des gynécologues du Canada a découvert que les Canadiennes avaient accès à un choix plus limité de moyens de contraception que les femmes d'autres pays développés. De plus, selon un rapport du Consensus canadien sur la contraception, 15 % des Canadiennes sexuellement actives n'utilisent aucune méthode contraceptive, et 20 % utilisent une méthode contraceptive de façon irrégulière. Le coût en est probablement la principale raison. Au Canada, les moyens de contraception ne sont pas remboursés par le régime universel d'assurance-maladie. Pour trouver des méthodes contraceptives abordables, il faut se rendre dans les cliniques de santé sexuelle publiques (qui proposent un choix limité de moyens de contraception, ont des horaires d'ouverture restreints et des files d'attente importantes). Néanmoins, il est important de souligner que ces cliniques, en plus de fournir des moyens de contraception abordables, représentent un point de service utile au Canada.

Quoi et où

• Vous pouvez acheter des préservatifs en ligne sur Top Condoms Canada, IdealCondoms.ca et Undercover Condoms.
• Pour obtenir des moyens de contraception à petits prix (préservatifs, pilules, DIU, etc.), vous pouvez vous rendre dans une clinique de santé sexuelle publique. Toronto compte 14 cliniques de santé sexuelle publiques, notamment Jane Street Clinic, Black Creek Community Health Centre, Scarborough Sexual Health Clinic, etc. Selon les cliniques, les consultations se font avec ou sans rendez-vous. Cliquez ici pour obtenir les coordonnées de ces cliniques.
• Vous pouvez vous procurer des anneaux vaginaux, tels que Nuvaring, à Toronto.

Vous en trouverez, entre autres, au Bay Centre for Birth Control du Women's College Hospital.

• Si vous souhaitez vous faire poser un DIU dans une clinique publique, vous pouvez normalement choisir entre le Liberté UT 380 et le Flexi-T, qui coûte entre 60 et 65 $ environ. Certaines cliniques acceptent de poser le Mirena que vous aurez préalablement acheté en pharmacie.
• Si vous souhaitez vous faire poser un DIU dans une clinique privée, il est recommandé d'aller au Bay Centre for Birth Control du Women's College Hospital. Vous achetez le DIU auprès de leur pharmacie, puis un professionnel de santé du service réalise la pose. Voici les tarifs pratiqués : Mirena : 363,40 $. Jaydess : 290,06 $. Mona Lisa : 57,70 $. Ils sont connus pour leur approche positive de la sexualité et leur bon accueil. Témoignage d'une patiente : « Vous pouvez y aller sans rendez-vous pendant les heures d'ouverture ou prendre rendez-vous.

Vous discutez avec une infirmière qui vous explique toutes les options disponibles, les effets secondaires, les taux de grossesse, etc. Le service est dirigé par le Planning familial donc il n'y a aucune sollicitation commerciale, aucune pression de la part des médecins, ni aucun discours pro-abstinence, etc. (il y a une atmosphère positive face à la sexualité.). Les infirmières vous mettent vraiment à l'aise, elles sont sincères et se mettent à votre place. » Vous pouvez également aller au Planning familial de Toronto (Planned Parenthood Toronto). Vous achetez le DIU en pharmacie, puis le Planning familial s'occupe de la pose. Voici leurs tarifs : Mirena : 380 $. Jaydess : 306 $. Mona Lisa : 54-63 $.

Coûts

Bien que le Canada ait un système de santé universel, les contraceptifs ne sont pas gratuits. Différentes options à prix abordable sont toutefois offertes dans les cliniques de santé sexuelle publiques. Par exemple, le prix des contraceptifs oraux de base peut aller jusqu'à 10 $ pour une plaquette d'un mois, et les DIU peuvent coûter 60 $ environ. Les prix sont plus élevés dans les cliniques privées, où le stérilet Mona Lisa coûte environ 55 $, le Jaydess autour de 300 $ et le Mirena entre 360 et 380 $.

Contraception d'urgence (pilule du lendemain)

Remarques importantes : la contraception d'urgence permet de prévenir une grossesse pendant trois jours (72 heures), parfois cinq jours (120 heures), après un rapport sexuel non protégé. Prenez-la le plus tôt possible après le rapport. Si vous n'avez pas accès à une contraception d'urgence, vous pouvez la remplacer par une contraception orale, en sachant que : 1) seules certaines contraceptions orales peuvent faire office de contraception d'urgence ; 2) les dosages et les heures de prise diffèrent selon les contraceptions utilisées en urgence ; 3) utilisez uniquement les 21 premières pilules de votre plaquette de 28 ; 4) une contraception orale peut s'avérer moins efficace qu'une contraception d'urgence.

WhatsNextForMe.ca is a Canadian website developed by a group of physicians and researchers based at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto. It provides information about what emergency contraception options are available in Canada, how they work and how to get them. General information on emergency contraceptives can also be found here and here.

Lois et stigmatisation sociale

In Canada, the emergency contraceptive pill (the morning after pill) is available at a variety of places, including women's clinics, sexual health centres, hospitals, and pharmacies. However, the laws around its availability vary by province. In Ontario and most provinces, emergency contraceptive pills are available over-the-counter, except for Ulipristal-based pills, such as ellaOne, which requires a prescription. In Quebec, emergency contraceptive requires a prescription, and in in Saskatchewan, it is available behind the counter at pharmacies.

Generally speaking, age restrictions on emergency contraception vary by province. In Ontario and many other provinces, there are no age restrictions, so young people and teenagers are legally allowed to purchased emergency contraceptive pills without a prescription or parental consent. However, there are some age restrictions when purchasing EC. As reported by the International Consortium for Emergency Contraception, "In May 2008, the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) recommended full OTC access for the LNG regimen with no age restriction. This recommendation is being applied Under Common Law; however, pharmacists have the discretion to restrict sale of EC if a woman does not appear mature. All provinces follow Common Law with the exception of Quebec, which follows Civil Code, and Saskatchewan."

What to Get & Where to Get It

• You can obtain most emergency contraceptive pills (morning after pills) without a prescription from a pharmacy, doctor, women's clinic, sexual assault centres, sexual health clinics, or hospital emergency rooms.

In Canada, if you want dedicated progestin only EC, you can take NorLevo 0.75 mg (available over the counter) or Plan B (available over the counter). You should take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex. If you can't access dedicated EC, you can use some oral contraceptives as replacement EC -- but, remember: in 28-day packs, only the first 21 pills can be used. Some of the contraceptives you can use are Ovral (take 2 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 2 more pills 12 hours later), Minovral (take 4 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 4 more pills 12 hours later) and Alesse (take 5 pills within 120 hours after unprotected sex and take 5 more pills 12 hours later).

Note : ellaOne est le CU actuellement sur le marché qui offre l'effet le plus durable. Il réduit les risques de grossesse jusqu'à 5 jours (120 heures) après une relation sexuelle non protégée. EllaOne est disponible au Canada et peut requérir l'obtention d'une ordonnance médicale. Adressez-vous à un pharmacien ou contactez une clinique de santé sexuelle pour en savoir plus.

Public Clinics that Sell EC

If you can't afford to purchase EC at a pharmacy, you can get it for a lower cost at a public health clinic. Here are the public clinics that provide EC (Plan B) in Toronto:

• Planned Parenthood Toronto: 36 B Prince Arthur Ave, Toronto, ON, M5R 1A9. Phone: 416-961-0113, Fax: 416-961-2512.
• Immigrant Women's Health Centre: 489 College Street, #200, Toronto, ON, M6G 1A5. Phone: 416-323-9986. Fax: 416-323-0447.
• Toronto Public Health: 2340 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON, M6P 4A9. Phone: 416-392-0999. Fax: 416-392-7102.
• Talk Shop-THP: 5110 Yonge St., Toronto, ON. M2N 5V7. Phone: 416-338-7000. Fax: 416-338-7001.
• Toronto Public Health: 662 Jane St, Toronto, ON, M6N 4A7, Phone: 416-338-7272. Fax: #N/A
• Toronto Public Health: 399 The West Mall, Toronto, ON. M9C 2Y2. Phone: 416-338-1517. Fax: #N/A.

Costs

Prices vary, depending on where you bought the emergency contraception. If you go to a pharmacy, you can expect to pay around $23-$30 (as of 2013). If you go to a community health clinic, you can expect to pay around $13-$20 (as of 2013).

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs/STDs)

Important Notes - Learn about PEP and PrEP: If you think that you've been recently exposed to HIV (i.e. within 72 hours), seek out PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a month-long treatment to prevent HIV infection after exposure, and it may be available in your city. Take PEP as soon as possible. For more information, click here. If you are at risk of HIV exposure, seek out PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). It's a daily oral pill that can prevent HIV infection before exposure. To learn more about PrEP, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Canada, there are no travel restrictions attached to STI or HIV status. However, if you wish to stay in Canada for over 6 months, you'll need to get an HIV test. If you test positive, you probably won't be granted a residency permit. You will still be issued a residence permit if you fall into one of the following categories: you're an HIV-positive refugee, you're an HIV-positive sponsored spouse or common law partner of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or if you're an HIV-positive sponsored and dependent child of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.

As reported by HIVTravel, "Accessing health care in Canada is expensive for non-Canadian residents or visitors and the cost varies from one province to another. Canada is a federation of provinces and territories and health care is the responsibility of each province or territory. Access to services can vary a bit from one province to another. In general, visitors to Canada need private health insurance from their home countries to pay for major medical costs here." For more details on HIV treatment for foreigners in Canada, click here.

What to Get & Where to Get It

Testing Facilities

• Hassle Free Clinic: They do anonymous HIV testing (including the rapid HIV test). Welcomes cisgendered and transgendered clients (but they have separate drop-in hours for men and women, so check the website for details). Also test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis. It's recommended to schedule an appointment. "All STI testing (other than for HIV) can be done by appointment or by walking in for our drop-in program. Appointments are usually booked a week or two in advance. The drop-in is first come, first served." Address: 2nd Floor, 66 Gerrard Street E. Toronto, ON M5B 1G3. Work: 416 922-0566.
• Birth Control and Sexual Health Centre: They do anonymous HIV testing (standard test or rapid test) by appointment. Welcomes cisgendered and transgendered clients. No Ontario Health Card is required. Address: Suite 403, 960 Lawrence Ave W, Toronto, ON M6A 3B5. Work: 416 789-4541.
• Crossways Clinic: They do rapid HIV tests. Address: 2340 Dundas Street W, Toronto, ON M6P 4A9. Work: 416 392-0999.
• Jane Street Clinic: They do rapid HIV tests. You an do drop-in (no appointment required). Address: 662 Jane St, Toronto, ON M6N 4A7. Work: 416 3387272.
• Rexdale Youth Center: Does rapid HIV tests. Must be 28 years or younger. Address: 1530 Albion Rd. Toronto, ON M9V 1B4. Work: 416 741-8714.
• Scarborough Sexual Health Clinic: Does rapid HIV tests. It seems like you can drop-in (no appointment required). Address: Scarborough Civic Centre, 160 BOROUGH DR. Toronto, ON M1P 4N8. Work: 416 338-7438.
• The Talk Shop: Does rapid HIV tests. It seems like you can drop-in (no appointment required). Address: 5110 YONGE ST, Toronto, ON M2N 6M1. Work: 416 338-7000.

Support

• The Phoenix Association: "Since 1982, we've been offering a friendly, supportive environment where members in Toronto and the surrounding areas can get accurate information and share experiences with others who have genital herpes. All information is held in strict confidence."
• Toronto HELP: "We started in 1982 as a social group for people with genital herpes under the name The Phoenix Association. In the early 90’s we discovered ASHA, which we associated ourselves with in order to receive direction and guidance on offering self help to our members. Every second Tuesday of the month, we have an Orientation Meeting for new members followed by a two-hour session where people gather in a circle and share their feelings, experiences or ask questions."
• Canadian Liver Foundation: Helps people with Hep B and Hep C. "The Canadian Liver Foundation is a national non-profit organization committed to promoting liver health and providing hope to people living with liver disease."
• CATIE: "CATIE is Canada’s source for up-to-date, unbiased information about HIV and hepatitis C. We connect people living with HIV or hepatitis C, at-risk communities, healthcare providers and community organizations with the knowledge, resources and expertise to reduce transmission and improve quality of life."
• AIDS Committee of Toronto: "ACT provides support services that empower men, women and young people living with HIV to achieve self-determination, informed decision-making, independence, and overall well-being."
• HALCO - HIV and AIDS Legal Clinic Ontario: "HALCO is a charitable not-for-profit community-based legal clinic that provides free legal assistance to people living with HIV/AIDS in Ontario, Canada."
• BLACK CAP - Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention: "Since 1989, the Black Coalition for AIDS Prevention (Black CAP) has worked to respond to the threat of HIV and AIDS in Toronto’s African, Caribbean and Black communities." "Black CAP is Canada’s largest Black specific AIDS service organization."

Medications & Vaccines

Laws & Social Stigmas

PrEP was approved for usage in 2016.

What to Get & Where to Get It

• There are two HPV vaccines available in Canada: Cervarix® (HPV2) and Gardasil®9 (HPV9). Ontario has an 'HPV vaccination program for children: "Ontario now offers vaccination against cancer-causing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) free of charge to all boys and girls in Grade 7. The program is run through school-based clinics by local public health units."
• You can get the Hepatitis B vaccine at many sexual health clinics.
• If you want Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), you should contact a hospital emergency department or their doctor for treatment. Generally, no appointment is required since patients should be counseled and treated ASAP.
• If you want Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), it is available in Canada. In February 2016, Health Canada approved Truvada as prevention, and generic versions of TDF/FTC are approved for prevention. There are an estimated 900-1,100 people on PrEP in Canada, as of 2018. According to ACT Toronto, "Any doctor can prescribe PrEP. If you have a family doctor that you feel comfortable with, that is a good place to start. There is ongoing testing and medical care required with PrEP, so accessing PrEP through a doctor that you already have a connection with is ideal." CATIE has compiled extensive resources on PrEP for Canadians, which you can check out here. For updates on PrEP access in Canada, PrEPWatch is also a great resource.

Menstruation

Note: In addition to pads and tampons, you can also use menstrual cups and menstrual underwear for your period. To learn more about menstrual cups, click here. To learn more about menstrual underwear, click here.

What to Get & Where to Get It

You can easily finds pads and tampons in Toronto stores. If you want to buy a menstrual cup, you'll also find quite a few vendors. For DivaCup, check out Shoppers Drug Mart, PHARMAPLUS, Yonge Pharmacy, Nutrition House-Eaton Ctr Dund and Condom Shack. For MoonCup, you can deliver online. For Lunette, check out the Lunette North America website. For eco-friendly menstrual products, check out London Drugs, Loblaws, Save on Food, Whole Foods, Well.ca and Overwaitea.

Gynecological Exams

What to Get & Where to Get It

• Birth Control Sexual Health Centre: Performs annual paps. Prescribes birth control. Does IUD insertions. Welcomes cisgender and transgender patients. Open to all ages.
• Women's Care Clinic: Has an all-female staff. "Women's Care Clinic was established in 1996 to provide the very best reproductive health services available in the Greater Toronto Area. Emergency Contraceptive: "Morning After IUD" can be inserted at our Clinic. We perform medical and surgical procedures, gynecological exams, birth control counselling, check-ups, STD/pregnancy/PAP tests and IUD insertion/removal. We are located in Toronto, 960 Lawrence Ave. West."
• Women's College Hospital: "The general gynecology program serves as a resource for women with a variety of benign medical and surgical conditions requiring short-term gynecologic care: menstrual disorders, ovarian cysts, menopause symptoms, fibroids (especially submucosal fibroids), endometriosis, family planning." "The gynecology program is unable to provide general well woman care such as annual PAP smears."

Note: There is a Canadian website called Pap Test Info: "Every year, almost 400,000 Canadian women receive a call that their Pap test result is abnormal. In many cases, the call is made by a nurse or medical receptionist who cannot discuss the results or implications over the phone. Often women are not given any information about what that means and are left feeling nervous or unsure about what happens next. This website has been developed to provide women with information about Pap testing and what it means to have abnormal test results. All of the information contained in this website has been reviewed by physicians."

Pregnancy

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Ontario, Employment Insurance (EI) provides maternity and paternity benefits to people who are waiting for a child, have recently given birth, are adopting a child or are caring for a newborn. For details, click here.

What to Get & Where to Get It

• Ontario Midwives: "Midwives work all across Ontario in cities, towns and remote settings. You do not need a referral to book an appointment with a midwife – find the clinic nearest to you and give them a call." Midwives in Ontario are funded by the government, their services are provided free of charge to all residents - including those who don't have OHIP/uninsured. They provide comprehensive prenatal care, labour and birth care, and care for the first six weeks after birth for parents and babies. Midwives in Ontario attend births in hospital, at home, and in birth centres.

Abortion

Important Note: There are two main types of abortions: medical (also known as the "abortion pill") and surgical (also known as "in-clinic"). For medical abortions, you take a pill to induce abortion. For surgical abortions, a procedure is performed to induce abortion. For general information about medical and surgical abortions, click here.

Laws & Social Stigmas

In Canada, abortion is legal at all stages of pregnancy with no restrictions. It is governed by the Canada Health Act. However, it should be noted that some reports indicate that third trimester abortions are not generally available.

Historically, there were significant challenges to abortion in the past. Until 1969, abortion was not generally legal. Following the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1968-69, abortion became legal in cases where physicians decided the abortion was necessary for the physical or mental well-being of the woman. However, the Criminal Law Amendment Act also imposed restrictions on abortion access, as it was not generally accessible to all women. In 1988, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the existing abortion laws were illegal, and they were struck down. Since then, there have been no official laws on abortion in Canada, making it available to women without restrictions. Today, one-third of all hospitals in Canada perform abortions.

What to Get & Where to Get It

• If you want to get an abortion in Toronto, the process is fairly straight-forward. You should first decide where you want to get an abortion. You have three options: 1) a hospital 2) Bay Centre for Birth Control or 3) a free-standing clinic. The main difference between these options is that hospitals use general anesthetic (you will be asleep) during the procedure. Meanwhile, The Bay Centre For Birth Control and free-standing clinics use local anesthetic to numb your uterus (you will be awake). Also, some free-standing clinics only offer surgical abortion (not medical abortion). If you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, there may also be differences in price, so you should contact them and see which one works best for you.
• Note that the Bay Centre for Birth Control offers surgical abortions if you are under 8 weeks pregnant and medical abortions if you are under 7 weeks pregnant. If you have been pregnant for longer than 7-8 weeks, you'll probably need to get an abortion at a hospital or free-standing clinic.
• Once you have picked where you'll get an abortion, you should make an appointment. To make an appointment at a free-standing clinic, you should call the clinic. To make an appointment at a hospital, you should contact Bay Centre for Birth Control, which will make the arrangements for you. Before you can be referred to a hospital, you'll have a 3 hour assessment appointment that may include an ultrasound, a physical, blood work, and counseling. Then, BCBC will tell you when and where you'll get an abortion.
• You don't need a referral to make an appointment. You can also call Teen Health Source (416-961-3200) to find abortion service providers in your neighborhood.

If you want to get an abortion at Bay Centre for Birth Control, call 416-351-3700 for details.

If you want to get an abortion at a free-standing clinic, here are the some clinics in the Toronto area:

• The Morgentaler Clinic: Surgical: up to 19 weeks GA. Medical: not offered. No admin fees. 727 Hillsdale Ave E (Bayview & Eglinton), 416-932-0446/1-800-556-6835.
• Choice in Health: Surgical: up to 15 weeks GA. Medical (OHIP clients only): up to 7 weeks GA. No admin fees *limited availability without OHIP. 301-1678 Bloor St. W (Bloor & Keele). 416-975-9300/1-866-565-9300.
• Cabbagetown Clinic: Surgical: up to 22.5 weeks GA. Medical: not offered. No admin fees *requires parental consent for clients under. 16302 Gerrard St E. (Gerrard & Parliament. 416-323-0642
• Bloor West Village Women’s Clinic: Surgical: up to 19 weeks + 6 days GA. Medical: not offered. Admin fees: $60 – $400. 403-2425 Bloor St W (Bloor & Jane). 416-849-4595
• Women’s Care Clinic: Surgical: up to 19 weeks + 6 days GA. Medical: up to 6 weeks GA. Admin fees: $60. 501-960 Lawrence Ave W. (Dufferin & Lawrence). 416-256-4139
• Dr. Kathy Chu: Surgical: up to 8 weeks GA. Medical: not offered. Admin fees: $40. Address: 200-371 Neilson Rd (Neilson & Sheppard). 416-284-0888
• Mississauga Woman’s Clinic: Surgical: up to 16 weeks GA. Medical: not offered. Admin fees: $60 – $120. 101 Queensway W, Suite 401 (Queensway & Hurontario). 905-629-4516
• Brampton Women’s Clinic: Surgical: up to 18.5 weeks GA. Medical: not offered. Admin fees: $60 – $150.2250 Bovaird Dr E, Suite 602 (Torbram & Bovaird). 905-789-7474.

Costs

• Generally, abortions in Canada are funded by Medicare (for Canadian citizens and permanent residents). If you have a valid health card from Ontario, medical and surgical abortions at free-standing clinics and hospitals are fully covered.
• If you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you'll need to pay between $300-$900 or an abortion at a free-standing clinic. The costs will vary, depending on how long you have been pregnant, the clinic and the type of procedure.
• If you're from another Canadian province but have a valid health card, you can find information about coverage in Ontario by calling Canadians for Choice at 1-888-642-2725.
• If you need help paying for your abortion, call Planned Parenthood Toronto (416-961-0113) or the Bay Centre for Birth Control (416-351-3700) to learn about your options.

Advocacy & Counseling

What to Get & Where to Get It

• The Kids Helpline: Call 1-800-668-6868. Toll-free, 24-hour, bilingual and anonymous phone counseling for teenagers and children.
• Distress Line 416-408-HELP (4357): Provides telephone support for people facing crisis situations and suicide prevention.
• Barbra Schlifer Commemorative Clinic: "The Barbra Schlifer Clinic offers legal representation, professional counselling and multilingual interpretation to women who have experienced abuse. Our diverse, skilled and compassionate staff accompany women through personal and practical transformation, helping to build lives free from violence. We are a centre by, for and about women"
• Family Services of Toronto – David Kelly Services: Provides counseling and support for LGBTQ individuals. "We are committed to trauma-informed, anti-oppression practices to help empower LGBTQ+ individuals, couples and families, as well as people living with, affected by or concerned about HIV/AIDS, and to enhance participation in their communities and in the broader society. For more information about DKS, contact Service Access Unit at t. 416-595-9618 | sau@familyservicetoronto.org"

List of Additional Resources

• Action Canada: "Action Canada works within Canada and globally to promote health, wellbeing, and rights related to sexuality and reproduction. Building on the strong histories of our three predecessor organizations, we cover a broad spectrum that includes directly providing support, referrals, and information; working with other groups and organizations on a range of campaigns using a collaborative, movement-building approach; and policy advocacy related to sexual and reproductive rights (including abortion), gender, LGBTQ rights, comprehensive sexuality education, and more."
• Telehealth Ontario — a free 24/7 service which uses nurse practitioners to answer your health concerns: 1-866-797-0000. 1-866-797-0007 (TTY).
• Sexual Health Information Line - Toll free: 1 (800) 668-2437; Local: (416) 392-2437. Hours of operation: Monday to Friday 10 am – 10:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 3pm
• List of Sexual Health Clinics in Toronto: This list is provided by the city of Toronto.
• Birth Control and Sexual Health Centre: "The Birth Control and Sexual Health Centre has been serving the community since 1972 and provides sexual health services to women, men and transgendered clients... We provide free services in a caring and non-judgmental manner to a diverse community, recognizing the differences in gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality and ability of our clients. We do not require a health card. There is no age limit or geographic boundaries. We are pro-choice supporting all decisions regarding an unplanned pregnancy." Email: info@birthcontrolsexualhealth.ca
• Planned Parenthood Toronto: They provide sexual and reproductive health care, including contraception, HIV and STI testing, pregnancy care, counseling and support, and programming for LGBTQ youth and young parents. Address: 36B Prince Arthur Avenue, Toronto, ON M5R 1A9; Phone: (416) 961-0113; Fax: (416) 961-2512; Email: ppt@ppt.on.ca
• IWHC Toronto: "IWHC Toronto (formerly Immigrant Women’s Health Centre) is an independent sexual health clinic funded by the City of Toronto, through Toronto Public Health. For over 40 years, IWHC Toronto has been providing free, confidential, culturally sensitive and language-accessible sexual health-related clinical services, counselling and support services to women across the City of Toronto. As of 2016, IWHC Toronto also opened its doors to men. We serve our clients in 9 languages with all-female Centre and medical staff." phone: 416.323.9986; email: info@iwhctoronto.com
• Black Creek Community Health Centre: They have a sexual health clinic offered weekly at 2 locations (Sheridan Mall Location on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm; Yorkgate Mall on Mondays from 2:00 pm - 5:00 or 5:30 pm, depending on the day). Call us: 416-249-8000 /416-246-2388; Email us: info@bcchc.com
• Hassle Free Clinic: Sexual Health Clinic & Anonymous HIV Testing site in downtown Toronto. They primarily provide services for women and trans individuals. Address: 66 Gerrard St E Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario; Call +1 416-922-0566
• Crossways Sexual Health Clinic: They provide contraception, STI tests, etc. Address: 2340 Dundas Street West - Toronto, ON - M6P 4A9; Phone: +1 416-392-0999; Email: publichealth@toronto.ca
• Jane Street Health Clinic: Services include: birth control counseling, low-cost or free birth control, emergency birth control, pregnancy testing and counseling, rapid HIV testing, sexuality and relationship counseling, Pap smears, STI testing, etc. Address: 662 Jane St, Toronto, ON; Phone Numbers: 416-338-7272; Email: cjohnst4@toronto.ca
• Scarborough Sexual Health Clinic: They provide free testing and treatment of sexual transmitted infections, along with birth control counseling, low or free cost birth control, emergency contraception, and other services.
• Mount Sinai Hospital - Family Planning Clinic: "This clinic focuses on contraceptive choices which your family doctor may not be able to address. In particular, we provide counseling for patients with complex medical and contraceptive needs, IUD insertion and offer tubal ligation surgery. Your first appointment will be a one-to-one consultation with a gynecologist and/or nurse to decide on a form of contraception that is right for you." Email: patientrelationsunit@mtsinai.on.ca
• The Sex Information and Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN): "The Sex Information and Education Council of Canada (SIECCAN) is a national registered charitable organization founded in 1964 to foster professional education and public knowledge about sexuality and sexual health. SIECCAN works with health professionals, educators, and community organizations to ensure that all Canadians have access to high quality sexual health information, education and related health and social services."
• The 519: "The 519 is committed to the health, happiness and full participation of the LGBTQ community. A City of Toronto agency with an innovative model of Service, Space and Leadership, we strive to make a real difference in people’s lives, while working to promote inclusion, understanding and respect."
• Scarlett Teen: This website offers sex education to teenagers.
• Teen Health Source: This website offers sex education to teenagers.