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Frequenly Asked Questions about Reproductive Coercion (RC)

Have questions about the information below? Call our Options Line.

Planned Parenthood Ottawa Options Line

Call us at (613)-226-3234 ext: 101 from 10am – 2pm on Monday – Friday or email ppottawa@ppottawa.ca to discuss birth control options in more detail or with one of our trained  peer-counsellors.

RC FAQ's
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Are there undetectable methods of birth control? 

The implant is a small rod (about the size of a matchstick) that is inserted under the skin of your upper arm by a healthcare provider. The implant is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy using synthetic hormones for up to 3 years and the cost is around $300 in Ottawa. The Sexual Health Centre in Ottawa sometimes provides the implant at a discounted rate for those who need it. For those who may have their periods monitored, the implant most commonly causes lighter and irregular periods.

The hormonal IUD is a small T shaped device that is inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider. The hormonal IUD is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy using synthetic hormones for up to 5 years and the cost is around $350-$450 in Ottawa. The Sexual Health Centre in Ottawa sometimes provides the hormonal IUD at a discounted rate for those who need it. The hormonal IUD can also provide relief from menstrual or premenstrual (aka. period) issues such as irregular or painful periods. For those who may have their periods monitored, the hormonal IUD most commonly causes lighter periods or can eliminate periods completely. 

Attached to the IUD are two-inch-long threads that hang down through the cervix (the opening to the uterus) and into the top of the vagina. These strings help healthcare providers (or yourself) check to ensure the IUD is still in the right position. If you are worried that a partner might be able to feel the strings, you can request that your healthcare provider cut them. When it is time to remove your IUD, a provider will use an ultrasound to assist with taking it out. 

The copper IUD is a small t-shaped device wrapped in copper coil. The non-hormonal copper IUD is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy as the copper interacts with the uterus to make the environment unable to carry a pregnancy for up to 5-10 years and the cost is around $80-$200 in Ottawa. The Sexual Health Centre in Ottawa sometimes provides the copper IUD at a discounted rate for those who need it. The copper IUD can also be used as a form of emergency birth control if inserted between 5-7 days after the sex act that you are worried about. For those who may have their periods monitored, the copper IUD most commonly causes an increase in bleeding and cramps during your cycle, particularly in the first few months.

Attached to the IUD are two-inch-long threads that hang down through the cervix (the opening to the uterus) and into the top of the vagina. These strings help healthcare providers (or yourself) check to ensure the IUD is still in the right position. If you are worried that a partner might be able to feel the strings, you can request that your healthcare provider cut them. When it is time to remove your IUD, a provider will use an ultrasound to assist with taking it out.

The shot is an injection by a healthcare provider that contains a synthetic version of progesterone, which is a hormone (aka chemicals) that is naturally occurring in the body. The shot is 96% effective at preventing pregnancy if used once every 3 months (or 12 weeks) and costs around $40 for every shot in Ottawa. The Sexual Health Centre in Ottawa sometimes provides the shot at a discounted rate for those who need it. For those who may have their periods monitored, the shot most commonly causes lighter and irregular periods, and sometimes weight gain.

Tubal ligation is a permanent form of birth control that surgically prevents the egg (or ova) from travelling through the fallopian tube to find a sperm. Tubal Ligations are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy as a specialized healthcare provider will block or cut both of the fallopian tubes and the cost is completely covered if you have an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Otherwise, reach out to Planned Parenthood Ottawa to discuss coverage under other forms of insurance. To get a tubal ligation in Ontario, you need a referral to a specialized healthcare provider who can perform the surgery. As of October 2022, several clinics in Ottawa are experiencing a backlog of surgeries due to COVID-19. Unfortunately, the average wait time for the procedure is around 2 years. For those who may have their periods monitored, tubal ligation will not affect your menstrual cycle.

A vasectomy is a permanent form of birth control that surgically prevents sperm from leaving the penis to find an egg (or ova). Vasectomies are 99% effective at preventing pregnancy as a specialized healthcare provider will block or cut the vas deferens or tubes that the sperm passes through prior to ejaculation. The cost is completely covered if you have an Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Otherwise, reach out to Planned Parenthood Ottawa to discuss coverage under other forms of insurance. To get a vasectomy in Ontario, you need a referral to a specialized healthcare provider who can perform the surgery. The average wait time for the procedure is around 3 months. 

Sperm adds very little to the semen volume, so you and/or your partner should not notice any changes in ejaculate following the procedure. Although the scar from a vasectomy is very small and should not be noticeable, a partner may be able to feel it, particularly in cases where a person develops a granuloma. A sperm granuloma is a mass that develops over time as a result of the body’s immune reaction to sperm leaking from the cut end of the vas deferens. It is typically treated with an anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen. 

What are my options for emergency birth control? 

The Morning After Pill (Plan B) is a pill (or two pills) used as a form of emergency birth control when you are worried about pregnancy after sex. The Morning After Pill has many brand names that all work just as well, but one of the most common brand names is Plan B (other brands include Step Two, or Next Choice). The morning after pill uses synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy and is most effective if taken within 2 days (48 hours) after the sex you are worried about, but it can be taken for up to 5 days (120 hours) after. Plan B is available at most pharmacies and costs around $15-$50 in Ottawa. It is covered by OHIP+ if you are under the age of 25 however, it needs to be prescribed by a doctor to access it for free. The Sexual Health Centre in Ottawa provides Plan B at a discounted rate for those who need it and The Prescriptions Shop at Carleton University offers it to the public for $20. For those who may have their periods monitored, Plan B may cause nausea and a delayed period.  If you throw up within 1 hour after taking Plan B consult a healthcare provider for next steps as you may need to take an additional pill.

Ella is a pill used as a form of emergency birth control which you can get with a prescription from a health care provider when you are worried about pregnancy after sex. You can take Ella up to 5 days (120 hours) after the sex that you are worried about and Ella is just as effective on day 1 as it is on day 5 after sex using synthetic hormones to prevent pregnancy. Ella is available at most pharmacies and costs around $50-$90 in Ottawa. The Sexual Health Centre may be able to provides Ella at a discounted rate for those who need it. For those who may have their periods monitored, Ella may cause nausea and a delayed period. If you throw up within 1 hour after taking Ella consult a healthcare provider for next steps as you may need to take an additional pill.

The copper IUD is a small t-shaped device wrapped in copper coil that can also be used as a form of emergency birth control if inserted between 5-7 days after the sex act that you are worried about. This is the most effective method of emergency contraception and is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy in this timeframe. The copper interacts with the uterus to make the environment unable to carry a pregnancy for up to 5-10 years and costs around $80-$200 in Ottawa. The Sexual Health Centre in Ottawa sometimes provides the copper IUD at a discounted rate for those who need it. The copper IUD 

For those who may have their periods monitored, the copper IUD most commonly causes an increase in bleeding and cramps during your cycle, particularly in the first few months.

Attached to the IUD are two-inch-long threads that hang down through the cervix (the opening to the uterus) and into the top of the vagina. These strings help healthcare providers (or yourself) check to ensure the IUD is still in the right position. If you are worried that a partner might be able to feel the strings, you can request that your healthcare provider cut them. When it is time to remove your IUD, a provider will use an ultrasound to assist with taking it out.

How would I book a “cover” appointment or activity for an abortion, birth control consultations, STI testing, counselling, or safety planning?

  • Cloaking access to care can be one of the best ways to ensure access to services if your outings or location is being monitored, if you rely on someone for transportation who cannot know about an appointment, or if you do not feel safe attending the appointment without an excuse for why you are there 
  • To disable caller ID for an outgoing call, dial #31#, followed by the 10-digit phone number. You can also delete your call history on most cellular devices by navigating to the ‘recents’ list in the phone app if a phone is shared or borrowed. 
  • If you have a safe space to talk freely, express to the clinic receptionist, support worker, or health care provider that you require a ‘cover’ appointment for the service, procedure, or testing that you are actually accessing. An example of a ‘cover’ appointment could be for a volunteer opportunity, providing a service related to the job you currently have, to treat a different illness or physical concern, a service for your child, or vaccination. 
  • If your calls are monitored or you need assistance to arrange this type of appointment, reach out to Planned Parenthood Ottawa at 613-226-3234 ext 101 from 10am – 2pm ET on Monday – Friday. You will be connected to a staff member who can assist you in booking a ‘cover’ appointment with the appropriate service or support you are looking for. 
  • Service providers can also enforce fake clinic or hospital ‘policies’ that require you to be separated from an accompanying person to have X-rays done, collect urine samples, or do a physical exam, when the purpose is really to inquire about your safety, offer counselling, or perform different procedures without being monitored
  • Workers may also be able to utilize language barriers to communicate false information to someone who insists on attending an appointment with you (e.g that there will be a fine if someone refuses to allow a scheduled IUD insertion, or requesting for birth control packaging to be in another language)

What can I do if my emails, calls, or location is monitored? 

If you are fearful that any of your information in being tracked online, the following resources may be valuable:

Technology Safety & Privacy: A Toolkit for Survivors 

Technology Safety Toolkit

(note: these resources use binary language that does not reflect the scope of gender identities affected by reproductive coercion)

Will my partner, caregiver, guardian, or parent know if I have an abortion? 

Confidentiality 

The government maintains that a health care provider can only share a client’s personal health information:

  1. when they have the client’s or substitute decision-maker’s express consent and it is necessary for a lawful purpose;
  2. where it is permitted under legislation, without the client’s or substitute decision-maker’s consent; or
  3. where it is required by law.

*A “substitute decision-maker” would be your parent or legal guardian. If you’re under 16, then they have implied consent (which can be revoked) to view or share your personal health info. If you’re over 16, then only you can decide who views or shares your personal health info.*

  • No one, outside of the healthcare team who provides you with abortion services (or STI testing, birth control consultation etc.) will know about the procedure unless you choose to tell them. Health care providers are required by law to keep your information confidential (in other words to keep all your information private).

This resource gives more information about access to your personal OHIP health records

Permission 

  • You do not need the partner in pregnancy to agree in order to access abortion services.
  • According to the Canadian Pediatric Society, in Ontario, there is no specific age at which everyone can get health care services without parent or guardian consent, whether that be getting antibiotics for strep throat, or abortion care services. However, people can consent to health care services without a parent or guardian’s involvement so long as they understand the risks and benefits of that healthcare service. Therefore, since abortion is considered a low risk medical procedure, people as young as 13 or 14 can often access abortion without parent or guardian consent.

Procedure and Physical Side Effects

Medication Abortion (or Medical Abortion) 

  • A medication abortion is available in Ottawa up to 10 weeks (9 weeks and 6 days) from the first day of your last period, otherwise known as a gestational age. This method uses a combination of two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol (together called mifegymiso) that empty the contents of the uterus over the course of 6-8 hours. The pills can be taken at home and resemble a miscarriage if someone is forcing you to go through with a pregnancy. You may also experience cramping for a couple days and spotting/ bleeding for a week or two after taking the pills. 
  • Sams Medical Abortion: We know this process can cause a lot of stress and anxiety, particularly if you aren’t sure how the pills will affect your body- this resource gives a better idea of what to expect from the process itself

In-Clinic Abortion

  • In-clinic abortions are available in Ottawa up to 20 weeks (19 weeks and 6 days) from the first day of your last period, otherwise known as a gestational age. This method is performed by a trained health care provider in a hospital or clinic. The health care provider removes the contents of the uterus with a suction device while the patient is under local or general anaesthesia. The procedure itself typically only takes around 5-15 minutes, but the appointments can last 3-4 hours due to anaesthetic prep, blood work, and ultrasound, etc. 
  • For those who may have their periods monitored, an in-clinic abortion can cause cramping and bleeding for 24 hours after the procedure, and spotting for a week or so. 
  • Elena’s Aspiration/ In-Clinic Abortion: this resource gives a better idea of what to expect from an in-clinic abortion.

*In Ottawa, abortions can be done in several places. Reach out to us at 613-226-3234 ext 101 from 10am – 2pm ET on Monday – Friday or by email (ppottawa@ppottawa.ca) and we would be glad to offer you a safe space to discuss any concerns and provide you with contact information for local providers. Due to the confidentiality and privacy of our healthcare providers, we are able to provide more options over the phone as opposed to email. 

Refer to PPO’s website page on abortion for more Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I need practical support to access an abortion. Where do I start? 

At Planned Parenthood Ottawa (PPO), we know that although abortion is legal, it remains inaccessible for so many of our community members. This disproportionately affects those already made most vulnerable to state violence and oppression including Black, Indigenous, 2-Spirit, Queer, Trans, and Disabled people living without health insurance or permanent immigration status, residing in rural or remote areas or out of their home provinces, and people who remain over-policed, over-surveilled, and under-served by the formal systems of care within our healthcare sector. 

Below are existing resources to aid with abortion-related costs, travel and accompaniment requirements (for safety reasons, some clinics will not allow patients to drive themselves to their appointment and will require a support person or driver to take them home following the procedure):

Abortion Procedural Costs

National Abortion Federation (NAF) Financial Assistance Line: 1-800-772-9100

  • Financial support to those who otherwise cannot afford an abortion 
  • They will refer you to a Canadian specialist to assess for eligibility based on family size, income, and other circumstances 

Chosen abortion clinics have to be NAF members for their financial assistance program to be able to help fund procedures/ prescriptions (find NAF members in Ontario here)

Transportation Costs and Support 

Ottawa Abortion Doula Collective: Fill out this online form to request support 

  • Provide emotional and logistical support for people in Ottawa and the surrounding area before, during, and after a surgical or medical abortion including: 
    • Sharing information and resources
    • Coming to your appointments with you
    • Picking you up or dropping you off for the procedure
    • Referring you to options counsellors and support resources
    • Providing emotional support or distractions
    • Listening without judgement 

Wabano Centre – Healthcare System Navigation: contact their Health Clinic at 613-748-5999 or submit a form here

  • Wabano’s healthcare navigators assist Indigenous community members along every step of their healthcare journey, from coordinating transport to appointments to receiving home care and getting medication. Their navigators can help: 
    • Arrange appointments
    • Advocate for patient needs
    • Coordinate homecare
    • Make sense of the system
    • Refer and connect to other services

Nurse on Board: 613-656-1956

  • Accompaniment to medical appointments
  • Oversight of treatments and procedures
  • Communication with physicians and other health care providers
  • Assistance with access to community resources
  • Research diagnoses and treatment options
  • Investigation of alternatives based on patient’s needs

*visit this website, or dial 211 for more options if you need support with free local transportation options*

Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights 24-Hour Access Line: 1-888-542-2725

  • Financial support for travel and accommodation related to abortion appointments 

Hope Air: You can complete an online travel request or call 1-877-346-HOPE (4673)

  • Provides free flights and accommodation for Canadians who otherwise cannot afford travel costs related to the healthcare they need 

I don’t think I can afford birth control. What can I do? 

  • Visit Planned Parenthood Ottawa’s website page on birth control to learn more about low-cost or cost effective options
  • Many clinics and healthcare providers will be able to help you apply for partial or complete cost coverage for certain birth control methods (copper and hormonal IUDs, Nexplanon implants, birth control pills etc.). 
    • The Sexual Health Centre (613-234-4641) in Ottawa can usually provide birth control at a discounted rate for those who need it. 
    • For more information about other clinics that offer low cost contraception options or how to apply for this coverage, reach out to us at 613-226-3234 ext: 101 from 10am – 2pm ET on Monday – Friday or by email (ppottawa@ppottawa.ca). 

Planned Parenthood Ottawa offers free safer sex supply pick-ups, including internal and external condoms, lube, dental dams, and pregnancy tests. You can also order free condoms to your door from Ottawa Public Health through this website.

Can I get an IUD inserted at the same time as my in-clinic abortion? 

  • Yes! There are clinics in Ottawa that offer IUD prescriptions and will do IUD removals and insertions during your in-clinic abortion appointment. This means that you won’t have to worry about any more appointments for birth control following your procedure. 
    • It may not be the first thing on your mind when navigating access to an abortion but did you know that it’s possible to get pregnant right after having an abortion? For this reason, you may wish to talk to your physician about what birth control methods might be right for you! We know there’s a lot of information out there about contraception and it can be overwhelming, however, PPO created this resource to make it easier to figure out which option is best for your situation. You know your body best!

Reach out to Planned Parenthood Ottawa at 613-226-3234 ext: 101 from 10am – 2pm ET on Monday – Friday or by email (ppottawa@ppottawa.ca) for community-based referrals, further information, and support with getting the care you need.

Advocacy tools for healthcare appointments: 

Let’s be honest, the healthcare system can be incredibly difficult, frustrating, and even traumatizing to navigate for those feeling like their needs aren’t being respected. Our current system is grounded in racism, colonial violence, ableism, transphobia, and eugenics which can discourage many people from seeking essential care. These are meant to be a few practical support tools to make you feel better equipped to advocate for your own sexual and reproductive autonomy during appointments. 

*If a provider is pressuring you to make a health-related decision under stress and/or duress with implied consequences for a specific choice, you have the right to decline specific treatment or leave and receive medical care elsewhere*

Translation Services:

Your healthcare provider is obligated to ensure that you have a full understanding of any decision being made about your sexual and reproductive health. In addition to appointment translation services, providers should translate any forms that you are asked to complete (e.g intake forms, consent forms, authorization to release information forms etc.). If your provider does not offer this service, reach out to one of the services listed below for support: 

Immigrant Women Services Ottawa: visit this website to book an interpreter online or call 613-729-1393

  • The Language Interpretation and Translation Services (LIS) is a division of Immigrant Women Services Ottawa that seeks to remove language barriers in the community by offering high quality, prompt and affordable language interpretation services in over 70 languages on site or by telephone, as well as written translation
  • The spoken language services are FREE in situations involving survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and elder abuse.
    *provides services for clients that identify as non-binary, trans, and gender-fluid

Ottawa Language Access (OLA) Somerset West Community Health Centre: 613-288-2652 ext: 2 or via email at ola@swchc.on.ca. 

  • Any registered healthcare provider or organization can request professional interpretation support for patients to ensure that individuals can communicate with their health care providers in their language of choice

Sign Language Interpreting Associates Ottawa (SLIAO): visit https://sliao.ca/ to learn more about their services or call 613-521-6720/ email asl.interpreting@sliao.ca 

  • SLIAO provides video remote interpreting, ASL/LSQ translation, and in-person interpreting
  • Some clinics or hospitals may already by connected to SLIAO and provide free interpretation by request 

Canadian Hearing Services (CHS): visit https://www.chs.ca/ to learn more about their services or call 1-866-518-0000/ email interpreting@chs.ca

  • CHS provides advice and communications solutions, such as interpreting and captioning services, accessibility consulting, as well as communication devices designed to improve communication, safety and independence. They also provide counselling, specialized job-related services to support the Deaf and hard of hearing with employment goals, education, including one-on-one language development for Deaf and hard of hearing adults and children, as well as sign language instruction.
  • Some clinics or hospitals may already by connected to CHS and provide free interpretation by request

Support Person:

 Having a trusted friend or loved one present in an appointment with you can be really comforting. You can check-in with them about how you are feeling and what kind of support might be helpful to you prior to the appointment or procedure. 

Depending on your situation, there may be organizations in Ottawa that can also connect you to a volunteer support person, for example: 

Ottawa Abortion Doula Collective: Fill out this online form to request support 

  • Provide emotional and logistical support for people in Ottawa and the surrounding area before, during, and after a surgical or medical abortion including: 
    • Sharing information and resources
    • Coming to your appointments with you
    • Picking you up or dropping you off for the procedure
    • Referring you to options counsellors and support resources
    • Providing emotional support or distractions
    • Listening without judgement 

Wabano Centre – Healthcare System Navigation: contact their Health Clinic at 613-748-5999 or submit a form here

  • Wabano’s healthcare navigators assist Indigenous community members along every step of their healthcare journey, from coordinating transport to appointments to receiving home care and getting medication. Their navigators can help: 
    • Arrange appointments
    • Advocate for patient needs
    • Coordinate homecare
    • Make sense of the system
    • Refer and connect to other services

Minwaashin Lodge – Aunties on the Road Full Spectrum Indigenous Doula Service: reach out to 613-741-5590 ext: 263 or email Annie Miller at akingstonmiller@minlodge.com

  • Aunties on the Road provides full-spectrum doula support to Indigenous youth (12-30) living on traditional Algonquin and Mohawk territories in Eastern Ontario
  • Building on the traditional role of aunties in Indigenous communities, Indigenous doulas centre traditional and spiritual practices and beliefs associated with the full-spectrum of pregnancy experiences, including abortion, adoption, surrogacy, miscarriage and stillbirth, as well as puberty and menstruation, in providing emotional, physical and spiritual support to Indigenous youth
  • Recognizing that Indigenous youth face multiple levels of oppression in accessing care associated with sexual and reproductive health, doulas also act as powerful advocates and allies, to ensure the rights and wishes of Indigenous youth are respected and honoured while navigating these systems

Trans Health Ottawa: Visit their website or reach out directly through this contact form

  • Support trans and gender diverse community members navigate transition-related and general health services in the Champlain region (Ottawa and surrounding areas). 
  • Find trans health services in Ottawa and surrounding areas here.

Their resource library includes factsheets, toolkits, and resources on self advocacy, service providers, transition-related surgery, HRT, reproductive options, sexual health, harm reduction, and more.

What does informed consent feel like in a healthcare setting? 

Informed consent is something that healthcare providers legally and ethically require from you before any medical procedure or decision, however, not many people talk about what this should actually feel like. Informed consent should feel like you are making a reciprocal decision WITH your provider as opposed to a provider making a decision for you. 

After discussing the type of care you are looking for, in particular when it comes to birth control, family planning, pregnancy, abortion, STI navigation etc., you should be given all of the following information: courses of treatment and/or service options and their purpose, benefits, risks, potential side effects, and alternative options (along with benefits and risks of each alternative). You should also be given information about procedure reversal, follow-up, cost and insurance coverage for any proposed prescription, procedure, assessment, required testing etc. 

At this point you should check-in with any signs that your body is giving you. How do you feel? Do you feel rushed, stressed, anxious, or pressured to make a decision without full understanding of the medical information? It can be difficult to honour your needs in situations where the healthcare professional is assumed to be the expert however, YOU are the expert of your own experience, body, and life – trust and lean into your intuition. Informed consent should feel like you have a safe space to weigh your options and genuine desires before making a voluntary, educated, and informed decision about your health that is free from coercion. This consent should never be obtained under pressure, if you are influenced by pain medication or sedation, or if you have recently experienced a serious bodily trauma. You also have the right to withdraw consent at any time. 

A healthcare worker or social service provider is trying to control my reproductive decisions. What can I do? 

If you are looking for free, confidential, non-judgemental, evidence-informed, and pro-choice support with a decision regarding pregnancy, abortion, parenting, or contraception, feel free to contact Planned Parenthood Ottawa. We offer referrals to trusted healthcare providers, resource and safe sex supply distribution, and peer-based Pregnancy Options Counselling with trained volunteers. To access any of these services or book an appointment for counselling, reach out to us at 613-226-3234 ext: 101 from 10am – 2pm ET on Monday – Friday or by email (ppottawa@ppottawa.ca). 

We understand that you are the expert in your own life, and you know your situation better than anyone else. We respect the unique life experiences you bring and will support whatever choice is right for you at this time in your life. 

Know Your Rights Toolkit (Native Women’s Association of Canada): 

  • This toolkit contains information on Informed Consent, How to File a Complaint, and Informed Choice

*the toolkit uses binary language that does not reflect the scope of gender identities affected by reproductive coercion* 

File a complaint: All regulated health professionals belong to regulatory bodies called “Colleges.” If your complaint is about a regulated professional, such as a physician, nurse, social worker. psychologist etc., you will need to contact the appropriate College, for example, you can file a complaint about the care or treatment you received from a provider with the: 

Typically, to file a complaint you must: (1) complete and sign a complaint form; (2) complete and sign a release of information form; and (3) mail or fax it to the body you are submitting it to. 

You may also get in touch with the Ontario Patient Ombudsman. The Ombudsman’s role is to respond to and help resolve complaints from current and former patients or their caregivers about their care or experiences with public hospitals, long-term care homes, and home and community care support service organizations. Feel free to contact Planned Parenthood Ottawa to discuss this process if you wish to submit a complaint or are seeking further support.

What is a Crisis Pregnancy Centre (CPC)? 

As defined by Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights (2020), Crisis Pregnancy Centres (CPC) are anti-abortion and pro-forced-birth organizations masked as health clinics that provide counselling and other prenatal services. They share inaccurate information about pregnancy options which interferes with access to abortion, access to contraceptive services, and access to unbiased reproductive & sexual health knowledge. The purpose of these centres is reproductive coercion under the guise of support and well-funded misinformation campaigns.

Many of these centres offer pregnancy testing and ultrasound services, which can blur the line between resource centres with healthcare clinics. Healthcare clinics must adhere to strict policies regarding client confidentiality and privacy while resource centres, though posing as health care clinics, don’t have to follow the same policies, or report to the same regulatory bodies.

The intentions of crisis pregnancy centres are to persuade pregnant people with unplanned pregnancies to choose to keep the pregnancy and/or proceed with adoption. They seek to intercept the decisions of pregnant people who might be considering abortion. These centres are typically heavily affiliated with Christian and conservative political networks with the goal of severely restricting or outlawing abortion entirely.

Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada: List of Crisis Pregnancy Centres in Canada

Read our pamphlet [hyperlink] for more information on how to identify a crisis pregnancy centre.

Planned Parenthood Ottawa offers free, pro-choice, all-options counselling

We believe that you have the right to receive accurate, unbiased information about all of your options so you can make confident and well-informed decisions. You can talk to us about any thoughts, feelings, concerns and questions, and we’ll do our best to provide you with the support and information you’re looking for.

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