Bloor West Village Women`s Clinic

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I going to be asleep?

You will not be asleep for your procedure. Studies have shown that it is safer to have an abortion while awake, rather than asleep.

Will it hurt?

1. The average procedure takes 2 - 3 minutes.
2. You will recieve a medication to help you relax, as well as a strong narcotic for pain. This is given through a tiny injection into a vein.
3. We will adjust the dosages of both these medications to keep each client as comfortable as possible.
4. Most clients report a sensation of menstrual like cramps and some clients report no pain at all.
5. The majority of our patients report that the procedure was not nearly as uncomfortable as they had imagined.

Will I have to take time off from work or school?

Following the procedure, we advise our patients to take the remainder of the day to rest or pamper themselves as they see fit. Some women wish to return to their usual activities immediately, while others resume their schedule the following day. We offer a wide variety of snacks and beverages in our recovery room and we encourage you to have a good meal once you leave.

Will anybody find out?

Your visit to the clinic and all your information is strictly confidential. No contact will be made without your consent and only to the telephone number you would have given to us.

Do my parents need to give consent?

In Canada, anyone over the age of 12 years of age can legally have an abortion in a clinic setting without parental consent.

What does surgical mean?

In a surgical abortion, there is no cutting or stitches. The doctor merely inserts a small tube through the cervix (the pathway between the vagina and uterus). She then applies a gentle suction to remove the pregnancy tissue. A surgical abortion can be completed within 2 - 3 minutes. Only one visit is necessary. A medical abortion could take up to a week of repeated visits.

Will my doctor know if I've had an abortion?

By the time you go for your 2 - 3 week check-up your doctor will not be able to tell that you've had an abortion. If this concerns you; you are welcome to return to us for your check-up.