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In Vancouver, you will find a wide range of health care options. Contraceptive methods, including condoms, pills, patches, shots, etc, are widely available. While contraceptives are not subsidized by the Canadian health care system for all people, you can find lower-cost pills and IUDs (including insertion) at public sexual health clinics. You can purchase emergency contraception ("the morning after pill") at pharmacies or obtain it at sexual health clinics. There are no formal age restrictions but pharmacists can refuse to dispense EC to people who do not seem "mature." There are many public sexual health clinics that offer STI tests. While some only cover HIV, other clinics can test for a range of STIs, especially if you make an appointment rather than dropping in. There is an HPV vaccination program in place. You can access Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). Regarding abortions, they are legal and there are no formal restrictions. If you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can expect to pay $300-$900 for the procedure, but there are some financial assistance resources available. | In Vancouver, you will find a wide range of health care options. Contraceptive methods, including condoms, pills, patches, shots, etc, are widely available. While contraceptives are not subsidized by the Canadian health care system for all people, you can find lower-cost pills and IUDs (including insertion) at public sexual health clinics. You can purchase emergency contraception ("the morning after pill") at pharmacies or obtain it at sexual health clinics. There are no formal age restrictions but pharmacists can refuse to dispense EC to people who do not seem "mature." There are many public sexual health clinics that offer STI tests. While some only cover HIV, other clinics can test for a range of STIs, especially if you make an appointment rather than dropping in. There is an HPV vaccination program in place. You can access Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). Regarding abortions, they are legal and there are no formal restrictions. If you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you can expect to pay $300-$900 for the procedure, but there are some financial assistance resources available. | ||
==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ==Contraception (Birth Control)== | ||
'''General Note:''' There are many types of contraceptives, also known as "birth control," including IUDs, oral contraceptives, patches, shots, and condoms, etc. If you would like to view a full list, click [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control here]. | '''General Note:''' There are many types of contraceptives, also known as "birth control," including IUDs, oral contraceptives, patches, shots, and condoms, etc. If you would like to view a full list, click [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control here]. | ||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In Canada, you can find condoms sold in many stores. For other birth control options, like the pill, IUD, shot or implant, you will need a prescription from a physician or nurse. | In Canada, you can find condoms sold in many stores. For other birth control options, like the pill, IUD, shot or implant, you will need a prescription from a physician or nurse. | ||
Generally, Canada has a high rate of contraceptive use. It's estimated that over 70% of Canadian women (of reproductive age) use modern contraceptive methods, and about 22% of Canadian men have underwent male sterilization.<ref>[http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/family/trendsContraceptiveUse2015Report.pdf Trends in | Generally, Canada has a high rate of contraceptive use. It's estimated that over 70% of Canadian women (of reproductive age) use modern contraceptive methods, and about 22% of Canadian men have underwent male sterilization.<ref>[http://www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/family/trendsContraceptiveUse2015Report.pdf Trends in | ||
Contraceptive Use Worldwide 2015]</ref> Yet some women still face difficulty when trying to access birth control. The Society of Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada found that Canadian women have less birth-control options than women in other developed countries.<ref>[http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/canadians-feel-the-cost-of-health-policies-limiting-access-to-birth-control/article23883108/ It's time to give Canadian women more options when it comes to birth control, experts say]</ref> Furthermore, the Canadian Contraception Consensus report found that 15% of sexually-active Canadian women aren't using any form of birth control, and 20% are using birth control inconsistently. The largest barrier is probably cost. Contraceptives aren't free under Canada's universal health care plan, and affordable birth control options are typically found through the public sexual health clinics (which can have limited drug choices, limited opening hours and long wait times). It should be stressed, however, that these clinics do provide affordable options and are an invaluable resource in Canada.<ref>[http://www.metronews.ca/life/health/2016/01/11/canada-birth-control-policy-needs-overhaul.html Canada lags behind other nations in birth control access, and it's costing us]</ref> | Contraceptive Use Worldwide 2015]</ref> Yet some women still face difficulty when trying to access birth control. The Society of Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada found that Canadian women have less birth-control options than women in other developed countries.<ref>[http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/health/canadians-feel-the-cost-of-health-policies-limiting-access-to-birth-control/article23883108/ It's time to give Canadian women more options when it comes to birth control, experts say]</ref> Furthermore, the Canadian Contraception Consensus report found that 15% of sexually-active Canadian women aren't using any form of birth control, and 20% are using birth control inconsistently. The largest barrier is probably cost. Contraceptives aren't free under Canada's universal health care plan, and affordable birth control options are typically found through the public sexual health clinics (which can have limited drug choices, limited opening hours and long wait times). It should be stressed, however, that these clinics do provide affordable options and are an invaluable resource in Canada.<ref>[http://www.metronews.ca/life/health/2016/01/11/canada-birth-control-policy-needs-overhaul.html Canada lags behind other nations in birth control access, and it's costing us]</ref> | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* Generally speaking, you can find contraceptives (birth control) services at a variety of clinics in the Vancouver area. Some clinics you may want to check out are [http://www.vch.ca/ Vancouver General Hospital: Women's Clinic], [https://everywomanshealthcentre.ca/ Everywoman's Health Centre],[ | * Generally speaking, you can find contraceptives (birth control) services at a variety of clinics in the Vancouver area. Some clinics you may want to check out are [http://www.vch.ca/ Vancouver General Hospital: Women's Clinic], [https://everywomanshealthcentre.ca/ Everywoman's Health Centre], [http://www.willowclinic.ca/ Willow Women's Clinic], and [https://ebwc.ca/ The Elizabeth Bagshaw Women’s Clinic]. Some clinics require an appointment, and some take clients on a walk-in basis. You should contact them in advance or visit their website to find appointment details. | ||
* You can find '''condoms''' sold in a variety of locations and venues, such as pharmacies, clinics, government programs, and online stores. No prescription is required. For online options, you can check out [http://www.topcondomscanada.com/ Top Condoms Canada], [http://idealcondoms.ca/ IdealCondoms.ca] and [https://www.undercovercondoms.com/ Undercover Condoms]. | * You can find '''condoms''' sold in a variety of locations and venues, such as pharmacies, clinics, government programs, and online stores. No prescription is required. For online options, you can check out [http://www.topcondomscanada.com/ Top Condoms Canada], [http://idealcondoms.ca/ IdealCondoms.ca] and [https://www.undercovercondoms.com/ Undercover Condoms]. | ||
* If you want '''oral contraceptives (birth control pills)''', you will need a prescription. You can obtain a prescription for a licensed health care provider, which can be found at a clinic or health facility. Once you have a prescription, you can obtain birth control pills from a variety of pharmacies or clinics. It's important to note that Canadian health insurance does not always cover birth control pills (see "Costs" section below for details). | * If you want '''oral contraceptives (birth control pills)''', you will need a prescription. You can obtain a prescription for a licensed health care provider, which can be found at a clinic or health facility. Once you have a prescription, you can obtain birth control pills from a variety of pharmacies or clinics. It's important to note that Canadian health insurance does not always cover birth control pills (see "Costs" section below for details). | ||
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* You can expect to pay between $300.00 to $400.00 for the hormonal IUD (which lasts 3 to 5 years), as of 2018. | * You can expect to pay between $300.00 to $400.00 for the hormonal IUD (which lasts 3 to 5 years), as of 2018. | ||
==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)== | ==Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill)== | ||
'''Important Notes:''' Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take EC '''as soon as possible''' after unprotected sex in order to prevent pregnancy. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC. | '''Important Notes:''' Emergency contraception may prevent pregnancy for three days (72 hours) and sometimes five days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. Take EC '''as soon as possible''' after unprotected sex in order to prevent pregnancy. If you don't have access to dedicated EC, oral contraceptives can be used as replacement EC, but remember the following: 1) Only some contraceptives work as EC 2) Different contraceptives require different dosages and time schedules to work as EC 3) You must only use the first 21 pills in 28-day packs and 4) They may be less effective than dedicated EC. | ||
Tip: [http://whatsnextforme.ca 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 [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception here] and [http://ec.princeton.edu/info/ecp.html here]. | |||
[http://whatsnextforme.ca 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 [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/morning-after-pill-emergency-contraception here] and [http://ec.princeton.edu/info/ecp.html here]. | |||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
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there may be 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."<ref>[http://www.cecinfo.org/country-by-country-information/status-availability-database/countries/canada/ EC Status and Availability: Canada]</ref> | there may be 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."<ref>[http://www.cecinfo.org/country-by-country-information/status-availability-database/countries/canada/ EC Status and Availability: Canada]</ref> | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
'''Note:''' The longest-lasting EC is currently [http://www.ellaone.com/ ellaOne]. It lasts up to 5 days (120 hours) after unprotected sex. It seems like ellaOne is available in Canada. However, a prescription may be require to purchase it. Check with your pharmacist or local sexual health clinic for details. | |||
* 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. | * 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 150mgs available in some places as 2 pills, or sometimes just 1 pill, 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).<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC website]</ref> | *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 150mgs available in some places as 2 pills, or sometimes just 1 pill, 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).<ref>[http://ec.princeton.edu/worldwide/ Princeton EC website]</ref> | ||
===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). | 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). | ||
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You should be able to find a free and confidential STI test in your area. | You should be able to find a free and confidential STI test in your area. | ||
==Medications & Vaccines== | ==Medications & Vaccines== | ||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
In 2016, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)' was approved for usage in Canada (more details on access below). | |||
PrEP was approved for usage in | |||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* There are two '''HPV vaccines''' available in Canada: Cervarix® (HPV2) and Gardasil®9 (HPV9). For some people, the vaccine is free and, for other groups. it is available but not free. For example, the HPV9 vaccine is provided for free to all girls and boys in Canada in Grade 6. Other people who can get free HPV vaccines are girls born in 1994 or before who were not immunized, HIV-positive people (9-26 years of age), transgender people (9-26 years of age), men who have sex with men (9-26 years of age), men who are questioning their sexuality (9-26 years of age), and men who participate in street activity (9-26 years of age), and some other groups. You can visit the [https://immunizebc.ca/hpv Immunize BC website] to learn more. | * There are two '''HPV vaccines''' available in Canada: Cervarix® (HPV2) and Gardasil®9 (HPV9). For some people, the vaccine is free and, for other groups. it is available but not free. For example, the HPV9 vaccine is provided for free to all girls and boys in Canada in Grade 6. Other people who can get free HPV vaccines are girls born in 1994 or before who were not immunized, HIV-positive people (9-26 years of age), transgender people (9-26 years of age), men who have sex with men (9-26 years of age), men who are questioning their sexuality (9-26 years of age), and men who participate in street activity (9-26 years of age), and some other groups. You can visit the [https://immunizebc.ca/hpv Immunize BC website] to learn more. | ||
* You can get the '''Hepatitis B vaccine''' at many sexual health clinics. | * You can get the '''Hepatitis B vaccine''' at many sexual health clinics. | ||
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* 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.<ref>[http://www.prepwatch.org/canada/ PrEPWatch: Canada]</ref> 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."<ref>[http://www.actoronto.org/PrEP/how PrEP - How do I get it?]</ref> CATIE has compiled extensive resources on PrEP for Canadians, which you can check out [http://www.catie.ca/en/prep here]. For updates on PrEP access in Canada, [https://www.prepwatch.org/canada/ PrEPWatch] is also a great resource. | * 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.<ref>[http://www.prepwatch.org/canada/ PrEPWatch: Canada]</ref> 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."<ref>[http://www.actoronto.org/PrEP/how PrEP - How do I get it?]</ref> CATIE has compiled extensive resources on PrEP for Canadians, which you can check out [http://www.catie.ca/en/prep here]. For updates on PrEP access in Canada, [https://www.prepwatch.org/canada/ PrEPWatch] is also a great resource. | ||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
* The HPV vaccine is free for some people (check out details in the above section). | * The HPV vaccine is free for some people (check out details in the above section). | ||
==Menstruation== | ==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 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menstrual_cup here]. To learn more about menstrual underwear, click [http://menstrualcupreviews.net/best-period-panties-reviews/ here]. | '''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 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menstrual_cup here]. To learn more about menstrual underwear, click [http://menstrualcupreviews.net/best-period-panties-reviews/ here]. | ||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
You can easily finds pads and tampons in Canadian 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 [https://store.lunette.com Lunette North America] website. For eco-friendly menstrual products, check out London Drugs, Loblaws, Save on Food, Whole Foods, Well.ca and Overwaitea. | You can easily finds pads and tampons in Canadian 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 [https://store.lunette.com Lunette North America] website. For eco-friendly menstrual products, check out London Drugs, Loblaws, Save on Food, Whole Foods, Well.ca and Overwaitea. | ||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
==Gynecological Exams== | ==Gynecological Exams== | ||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
'''Note:''' There is a Canadian website called [http://www.paptestinfo.ca/index_e.html 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. | '''Note:''' There is a Canadian website called [http://www.paptestinfo.ca/index_e.html 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." | 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." | ||
===Costs=== | * [http://www.vch.ca/ Vancouver General Hospital: Women's Clinic]: "The Women's Clinic offers diagnostic testing and treatment for women with pap smear abnormalities (pre-malignant cervical and vaginal lesions). A gynaecologic oncologist team also offers diagnosis and treatment of other pre-malignant conditions as well as other gynaecologic malignancies (i.e.. ovarian and endometrial cancer). Also provides services for diagnosing and treating vulvar skin conditions, vulvar pain and pre-malignant vulvar lesions. Also provides gynaecologic rapid-access services to ambulatory patients referred from the emergency department." Address: 2775 Laurel Street, 6th floor, station 4, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9. Phone: (604) 875-5022. Fax: (604) 875-5807 | ||
* [https://everywomanshealthcentre.ca/ Everywoman's Health Centre]: "Everywoman’s Health Centre is a Vancouver abortion and sexual health clinic which provides aspiration (surgical) abortion, medical abortions, IUD insertions, miscarriage management, and other reproductive health care. Our clinic provides these services in a supportive, non- judgmental, and confidential setting... To contact us call 604-322-6692. Please note: we are not a walk-in clinic. All appointments must be made by telephone." | |||
* [http://www.willowclinic.ca/ Willow Women's Clinic]: "At Willow Women’s Clinic, we offer a range of services including medical abortions with Mifegymiso or Methotrexate, IUD insertion, emergency contraception, IUD removals, diaphragm and cervical cap fitting, endometrial biopsies and medical completion of miscarriage (spontaneous abortions)." Address: Suite 1013 – 750 West Broadway Vancouver BC V5Z 1H9. Ph. : 604-709-5611. Fax : 604-873-8304. Email: willowwomensclinic@yahoo.ca | |||
* [https://ebwc.ca/ The Elizabeth Bagshaw Women’s Clinic]: "In addition to abortion care, we provide pap tests, sexually transmitted infection testing and contraception services. This includes IUD management (IUD insertion, follow up and removal) as well as the sale of low-cost birth control." Address: Suite 200, 1177 West Broadway, Vancouver. Patient Line: 604-736-7878. Toll-free line: 1-877-736-7171. | |||
===Costs=== | |||
==Pregnancy== | ==Pregnancy== | ||
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===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
==Abortion== | ==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 [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion here]. | '''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 [https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion here]. | ||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===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.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_in_Canada Abortion in Canada]</ref> | 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.<ref>[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abortion_in_Canada Abortion in Canada]</ref> | ||
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. | 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=== | ===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ||
* Tip: You can call the Pregnancy Options Line (1-888-875-3163 throughout B.C. or 604-875-3163 from the Lower Mainland). This service provides information about abortion services, including counseling, for all B.C. residents. | |||
* [https://everywomanshealthcentre.ca/ Everywoman's Health Centre]: They provide medical abortions (after 9 weeks of pregnancy) and surgical abortions. "We respect women’s decisions. This clinic is run by the women who work here and we treat those who come to us the way we would want to be treated ourselves... To contact us call 604-322-6692. Please note: we are not a walk-in clinic. All appointments must be made by telephone." | |||
* [https://ebwc.ca/ The Elizabeth Bagshaw Women’s Clinic]: They offer medical and surgical abortions. Aspiration abortions are performed for up to 17 weeks of pregnancy. After 17 weeks of pregnancy, patients are referred to BC Women’s Hospital. "A doctor’s referral is not required to book an appointment with our clinic. Abortion care is paid for by the Medical Services Plan (CareCard) for BC residents who have current coverage; there will be fees for women without current coverage." Address: Suite 200, 1177 West Broadway, Vancouver. Patient Line: 604-736-7878. Toll-free line: 1-877-736-7171. | |||
* [http://www.willowclinic.ca/ Willow Women's Clinic]: They currently provide medical abortions with Mifegymiso or Methotrexate, but no surgical abortions (as of 2018). "ABORTIONS: We understand that the decision to end a pregnancy can be difficult. Our highly experienced doctors and counselors can provide you with the best care possible: confidential, supportive and non-judgmental in a physician’s office atmosphere." Address: Suite 1013 – 750 West Broadway Vancouver BC V5Z 1H9. Ph. : 604-709-5611. Fax : 604-873-8304. Email: willowwomensclinic@yahoo.ca | |||
* CARE Program Women's Health Centre: This is an abortion provider, but the website seemed down when we tried to access it. Phone: +1 604-875-2022. | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
* Generally, abortions in Canada are funded by Medicare (for Canadian citizens and permanent residents). If you have a valid health card, medical and surgical abortions at free-standing clinics and hospitals are fully covered. However, you may need to pay a fee for pain medicines, which is typically around $30, as of 2018. | |||
* Generally, abortions in Canada are funded by Medicare (for Canadian citizens and permanent residents). If you have a valid health card | |||
* 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 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 need help paying for your abortion | * If you need help paying for your abortion, call a local women's clinic to learn about your options. | ||
==Advocacy & Counseling== | ==Advocacy & Counseling== | ||
===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ===Laws & Social Stigmas=== | ||
===What to Get & Where to Get It=== | ===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. | * The Kids Helpline: Call 1-800-668-6868. Toll-free, 24-hour, bilingual and anonymous phone counseling for teenagers and children. | ||
* "Sex Sense is a toll free and confidential service offered to all residents of B.C. Got a question? We've got an answer! Call 1-800-739-7367 or go to sexsense.org to speak to a nurse, educator, or counsellor about sexual health, sexuality, contraception, clinic locations, or clinic referrals. Our line is open 9 am to 9 pm, Monday to Friday." | * "Sex Sense is a toll free and confidential service offered to all residents of B.C. Got a question? We've got an answer! Call 1-800-739-7367 or go to sexsense.org to speak to a nurse, educator, or counsellor about sexual health, sexuality, contraception, clinic locations, or clinic referrals. Our line is open 9 am to 9 pm, Monday to Friday." | ||
* [https://www.womenshealthcollective.ca/ Vancouver Women's Health Collective]: "We at the Vancouver Women's Health Collective are a non-profit organization helping self-identified women foster health, wellness and equity through feminist approaches to advocacy, shared knowledge and low-barrier programs and services." Address: Vancouver Health Collective, 29 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 1G4. Phone: 604-736-5262. Email: vwhc.centre@gmail.com | |||
===Costs=== | ===Costs=== | ||
==List of Additional Resources== | ==List of Additional Resources== | ||
* 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 | * 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 | ||
* [http://sieccan.org/wp/ 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." | * [http://sieccan.org/wp/ 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." | ||
* [http://www.westcoastwomensclinic.com/ Westcoast Women's Clinic for Hormone Health]: "Westcoast Women's Clinic is one of the first physician-based clinics in British Columbia to be fully dedicated to hormone health and wellness. It was co-founded in 2001 by Dr. Bal Pawa and Dr. Nishi Dhawan. Both doctors are leading experts in hormonal medicine and are certified menopause clinicians by the North American Menopause Society." Address: 3525 West 4th Avenue. Telephone: 604-738-9601. | |||
* [http://www.scarleteen.com/ Scarlett Teen]: This website offers sex education to teenagers. | * [http://www.scarleteen.com/ Scarlett Teen]: This website offers sex education to teenagers. | ||
* [http://teenhealthsource.com/ Teen Health Source]: This website offers sex education to teenagers. | * [http://teenhealthsource.com/ Teen Health Source]: This website offers sex education to teenagers. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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