Abortion and Decision making

Abortion is a common experience, though it may not always feel that way. Nearly one in three people capable of pregnancy will choose abortion, yet this decision often feels isolating or stigmatized. Whether planned or unplanned, pregnancy can bring about complex emotions and unforeseen stress. Many people don’t anticipate needing an abortion and may not fully consider the nuances of their choices until faced with the decision.

 My experience

Since 2017, I have been dedicated to community abortion care, providing support to those who are choosing or contemplating abortion. I work at Everywoman’s Health Centre, Elizabeth Bagshaw Clinic and at BC Women’s Hospital in the CARE program. Abortion care is a passion of mine, and I am committed to ensuring that individuals feel empowered and supported in their choice.

Some common feelings you might be experiencing surrounding your decision

  • You may feel that abortion was straightforward, then experience guilt for finding the decision so ‘easy.’

  • Although you’ve always identified as pro-choice and believed you would opt for an abortion if faced with an unintended pregnancy, now that you're pregnant, the decision feels more challenging.

  • You might feel guilty about terminating a ‘healthy’ pregnancy while friends or family members face challenges conceiving.

  • As a visibly queer person, you may not feel that women’s clinics are safe or welcoming places for you.

  • Making the decision to have an abortion may be complicated by misleading and frightening information you encounter online as you’re researching the procedure.

  • Having been taught that abortion is dangerous and could complicate future pregnancies, you may find yourself frightened by further misinformation or encounter a ‘Crisis Pregnancy Centre.’

  • Your faith background prohibits or condemns abortion, leading you to believe it’s wrong, yet continuing the pregnancy isn’t feasible for you right now.  

  • You planned your pregnancy, and now that you’re pregnant it no longer feels like the right choice.

  • You aspire to become a parent one day and you never envisioned your first pregnancy would end with abortion.

Resources

Decision Making guides

So What Now? - Decision making guide for unintended pregnancy.

Pregnancy Options Workbook - Guided workbook for people making a pregnancy decision.

Facts about abortion in Canada

Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada - A nationwide pro-choice group ensuring abortion rights and access.

Action Canada - pro-choice charitable organization advancing and upholding sexual and reproductive health and rights.

National Abortion Federation (NAF) Canada - Promotes, enhances, and ensures access to quality abortion care.

Pro-Choice Resources

Shout Your Abortion - Normalizing abortion and ensuring safe access, regardless of legality.

We Testify - Abortion stories, facts, and resources.

2+ Abortions - Library of abortion stories, normalizing the experience of having more than one abortion.