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Abortion: Emotional Recovery

British Columbia Specific Information

Abortions are available in B.C. and, for B.C. residents who have current coverage, are paid for by the Medical Services Plan. Several clinics, doctors, and hospitals throughout the province offer these services. Counselling about pregnancy options, the procedure itself, birth control, and other topics are available at most of the clinics and through either of these toll-free information lines:

  • Pregnancy Options Line: 1-888-875-3163 throughout B.C. or 604-875-3163 from the Lower Mainland. This service provides information, resources and referral for all abortion services, including counselling, available to B.C. residents.
  • Sex Sense Line: 1-800-SEX-SENSE (1-800-739-7367) throughout B.C. or 604-731-7803 from the Lower Mainland. This service offers general sexual and reproductive health information, as well as referral to resources throughout B.C.

Women may self-refer to any of the abortion clinics in B.C. or may call the Pregnancy Options Line for referral to a doctor in their area. For more information, talk to your health care provider or call one of the numbers above to discuss your individual circumstances and options.

For more information, please visit Options for Sexual Health: Abortion Resources and BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre: Abortion & Contraception.

Overview

For some, the choice to have an abortion is clear. For others, it's more complicated. Everyone has their own reason for an abortion. It's common to feel a range of emotions after having an abortion. Many people feel relief. But you may also have feelings of grief, sadness, or guilt. Whatever you feel (or don't feel) is normal.

A small number of people have long-term emotional reactions after an abortion. If you have lasting feelings of sadness, guilt, or depression, be sure to talk about your feelings with a supportive family member or friend, a professional counsellor, or your health professional.

Credits

Current as of: August 2, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Rebecca H. Allen MD, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology
Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology