Access to abortion services
Time frame for obtaining a voluntary termination of pregnancy
A medical abortion is possible only during the first trimester of pregnancy.
A surgical abortion is legal at any stage of pregnancy. However, services may vary from one facility to the next. It may be necessary to go to another region.
A referral from a doctor is not necessary for access to abortion services.
Costs
Abortion services are free everywhere they are offered for:
- women who have a Quebec health insurance card;
- women who are covered by the Interim Federal Health Program
(IFHP).
Other situations
Women who are not in one of the two categories mentioned above can have access to abortion services at their expense. The rates charged vary according to the stage of pregnancy, medical conditions, etc. The persons concerned will have to contact the abortion clinics listed to find out their rates.
Age of consent
Adolescents aged 14 and older do not need permission from their parents to get an abortion. The decision on whether to pursue their pregnancy is theirs alone.
Adolescents aged 13 and under must obtain permission from their parents or legal guardian to get an abortion. The parents must take into account the adolescent’s option and the decision must be made in the adolescent’s interest. If an adolescent and her parents disagree on the decision to make, a CLSC worker will be able to help them. If they are unable to reach an agreement, the court might be called upon to intervene and render a decision.
Last update: February 22, 2023
