Abortion is a safe way to end a pregnancy. It is free and legal to get an abortion in Montreal and the rest of Canada. There are two different types of abortions: surgical and medical.
Cost of an abortion
In Montreal, it is free to have a surgical or medical abortion with a RAMQ health card, government-issued certificate confirming your residence in Quebec or your participation in an integration or francization program, or any other document which gives you health care in Quebec. If you have a healthcare card from another province or territory, you might need to pay upfront and get the money back later. Also, if you have private insurance, you can check with your insurance company as several companies cover abortion services. If you don’t have any of these documents, you’ll most likely have to pay.
Will your parents find out if you get an abortion?
If you’re 14 or over, you do not need to ask your parent(s) or guardian(s) for permission. Those under 14 need permission from their parent(s) or guardian(s). And if you’re under 18, a clinic will tell your parent(s) or guardian(s) if you spend more than 12 hours in a clinic. But this isn’t likely when you have an abortion. Abortions are quick and low-risk procedures. Find out more here about at what age you can get abortions without your guardians knowing.
When can I get an abortion?
Surgical abortion: We’ve found clinics in Montreal that offer abortions up to 24 weeks. If you need an abortion after 24 weeks, Quebec medicare will cover the costs of having one in the United States. This means that you can travel to the United States to have an abortion without paying as it would be reimbursed by the province. Organizations like hopeair.ca may also help with travel expenses. For more information, you can call Action Canada at 1-888-642-2725.
Please also note that not all the states of the United States allow abortion after 24 weeks, especially considering that recently some states in the United States are limiting abortion rights. Find out more here.
Medical abortion: In Quebec, you can get a medical abortion up to 9 weeks after your missed period. Having a medical abortion as early as possible can make recovery a little easier.
Preparing for an appointment
When you call to make an appointment, the clinic will usually ask for your name, telephone number, weight, date of your last menstrual period, and any existing allergies or health problems.
You can expect to spend 3-4 hours at the clinic. This usually includes an advisor explaining the procedure, the 15-30 minute procedure, and 2-4 hours in a resting area. When you arrive, they will usually ask you to fill out a medical file and do a pregnancy test. For medical abortions at many clinics, you will need to make two appointments, including one for the actual procedure.
You can go to your appointment alone or bring a friend or partner with you. Different clinics have different rules for when other people can be with you. Most clinics require that you have someone come pick you up and take you home because of the anesthetic medication.
You cannot eat for 4 hours before the procedure. Make sure you bring your relevant photo I.D. or money to pay if you don’t have Quebec insurance.
Where to go for an abortion in Montreal:
You can text Sext-Ed with your location for the nearest abortion provider, or choose from the list of locations below. Most clinics provide either surgical abortion or medical abortion or both.
You can also contact the Centre des rendez-vous en avortement de Montréal (page available in both French and English) and they will help you make an appointment.
| Clinic | When you can get an Abortion | Extra Information |
|---|---|---|
| Clinique Médicale de l’Alternative 2034 Rue St-Hubert 1-514-281-6476 | Surgical abortion: between 5 and 12 weeks after a missed period; Medical abortion: up to 9 weeks after a missed period. | An independent clinic offering STI testing and abortions in a warm, respectful environment. Throughout the procedure, there will be a surgeon, two nurses, and an orderly with you. If someone comes with you, they can join you during the procedure and rest time. They cannot be with you during the pre-procedure advising. |
| Centre de Santé des Femmes de Montréal 3401 Avenue De Lorimier 1-514-270-6110 #1 | Surgical abortion: between 5 and 14.6 weeks after a missed period; Medical abortion: up to 9 weeks after a missed period. | If someone comes with you, they cannot be with you during the pre-procedure advising. Most doctors allow them to join you during the procedure. |
| The Montreal Morgentaler Clinic 8560 St-Hubert st., no. 310 1-514-844-4844 | Surgical abortion: up to 18 weeks after a missed period; Medical abortion: up to 9 weeks after a missed period. | The experienced all-women team of doctors, nurses and assistants speak English, French, Spanish, Italian, and Hindi. If someone comes with you, they will need a photo I.D. as well. For medical abortions, you will need to make two appointments, including one for the actual procedure. If a payment is necessary you will be asked to make it by cash or debit card (interac). Cheques or credit cards are not accepted. |
| Clinique Médicale Fémina 1265 Rue Berri (Suite 430) 1-514-843-7904 | Surgical abortion: up to 12 weeks after a missed period; Medical abortion: up to 9 weeks after a missed period. | Offers gynecological services, birth control, STI testing, and abortion. If someone comes with you, they can join you during the pre-procedure advising and rest time. They can’t be with you during the procedure. For medical abortions, you will need to make at least two appointments, including one for the actual procedure. |
| CLSC Sainte-Catherine et GMFU des Faubourgs (French only) 66, rue Sainte-Catherine Est 1-514-527-9565 ext. 3674 | Surgical abortion: up to 23 weeks after a missed period; additional appointments for any after 18 weeks; Medical abortion: up to 9 weeks after a missed period. | They offer a variety of services including STI testing, birth control, and abortions. For an appointment for abortion there, you can also contact the Montreal Abortion Appointment Center at 1-514-380-8299. |
Is there a service for people to accompany me for an abortion appointment in Montreal?
While there’s no official service, Head & Hands is an awesome Montreal organization that can help you out with this. They can offer resources and accompaniment opportunities.
To find out more about their services call 514-481-0277 during their call times and ask to speak to their Health Services Coordinator.
