FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the steps before an abortion at the CSFM?

Call us to book an appointment

First, you can take a urine pregnancy test at home. The test must be positive when you book your appointment.

When you call to book your appointment, you will be asked when was the first day of our last period, your date of birth, your type of medical coverage (RAMQ, private insurance, IFHP or no coverage), whether you have any known health issues or specific conditions and if you take any medication on a regular basis.

You must call us at 514-270-6110 three business days before the appointment to confirm.

Please be prepared to be at the CSFM for approximately 2:30 to 3:00 hours on the day of the appointment.

On the day of the appointment

Bring your valid health insurance card. If you have other medical coverage, bring a valid form of ID as well.

You will fill out the health questionnaire and the idenfitication form.

You will do a urine test on site to confirm the pregnancy and to test for chlamydia and gonorrhea (STIs). If the screening is abnormal, we will contact you for an appointment at the gynecological clinic.

You will then meet with the nurse to review the health questionnaire, to explain the chosen procedure and sign the consent form. If you are interested, the nurse can offer you information on contraceptive methods.

Is abortion legal?

Yes, it is, since 1988, when the Supreme Court of Canada decided that the old law was unconstitutional. The Quebec Health and Social Services Ministry regulates access to abortion services, the Collège des médecins du Québec ensures the quality of the medical act and the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec is responsible for the payment to physicians.

How do I know I am pregnant?

As soon as your menstrual period is late, you can have a pregnancy test done. A pregnancy test requiring a urine sample can be bought in any pharmacy. You don’t have to do a blood test or to contact your family physician to make an appointment.

Do I need a doctor’s referral in order to get an abortion at the Clinic?

No, you do not need a doctor’s referral. You can call the Clinic directly in order to make an appointment.

Until how many weeks can I get an abortion?

Legally, there is no limit to the stage of pregnancy for an abortion. The gestational age limit varies from one facility to another depending on the capacity of the clinics.

For pregnancies older than 18 weeks, you must contact the CLSC des Faubourgs at 514 527 9565 #3674.

How much does the procedure costs?

The abortion is free if you have a valid Quebec health insurance card (RAMQ), if you are covered by the Interim Federal Health Program (IFH), if you are from another Canadian province and for most foreign university students. If you do not have insurance coverage, the cost of the procedure varies from one institution to another. You can contact us to see if you have other medical coverage and to obtain support in your efforts.

Do my parents need to consent for the abortion?

Women who are younger than 14 years old will require consent from a parent or legal guardian in order to obtain an abortion or any other medical care. If you are 14 years old or older, you should give consent for the procedure. We need to ensure that it is your decision and that you do not suffer from external pressures to terminate or continue the pregnancy.

Does my spouse have a say about the abortion?

The decision to obtain an abortion belongs to the person who is pregnant. Even though many women feel supported by their spouse while making their decision, it is not always the case. Occasionally, the alleged father tries to impose his decision to terminate the pregnancy or to pursue it. Legally, he has no right over the decision. If you experience any pressure from your spouse or any another person, let us know.

What is procedural abortion?

The medical technique that we use is the simplest and most common: dilation-aspiration-curettage done under local anaesthesia. You are offered medication for reducing stress and pain.

The intervention lasts approximately 10 minutes. This is followed by a rest period of 30 to 40 minutes, at which time you can leave the clinic.

What is medical abortion?

Medical abortion involves the use of two medications. The first is to stop the progression of the pregnancy. The second causes the uterus to contract and bleed to expel its contents.

The process takes a few days to complete and requires one visit to the clinic and a follow-up telephone appointment. If the procedure is unsuccessful, the person has the option of taking another dose of the drug misoprostol or opting for the instrument method. The medication abortion can be performed up to the ninth week of pregnancy depending on the doctor’s assessment.

Could I be put to sleep during a procedural abortion?

No, we do not provide abortions under general anaesthesia at the Women’s clinic. We will offer you two very effective intravenous medicines to reduce stress and pain. If you insist or require that the abortion be performed under general anaesthesia, we can refer you to a provider offering this possibility.

Can you prescribe a contraceptive method to make sure I don’t get pregnant again?

Yes. You can talk about contraceptive methods with the nurse and the doctor. They will be able to provide you with all the information you need to find a method that works for you. The doctor can write you a prescription. If you want to, the doctor can also insert an intrauterine device (IUD) right after the procedural abortion. If you chose a medical abortion, the doctor can insert an intrauterine device (IUD) the day of the follow up appointment. If you prefer to discuss contraception during another appointment, it is also possible.

What do you with the product of conception you remove from the uterus?

The tissue removed from the uterus will be ethically incinerated. In some cases and depending on the doctor’s judgment, the contents of the uterus may be sent to the hospital for analysis and then disposed of in the same manner.

Is procedural abortion dangerous?

As for all medical interventions, voluntary pregnancy termination is associated with risks of complications. These complications are rare and generally easy to treat. We will explain to you how to recognize the signs of complications and above all, how to avoid them. You will be given advice on how to care for yourself after the procedure.

Can procedural abortion make me infertile?

A procedural abortion provided by a doctor who has received the proper training, using the dilation-aspiration-curettage method, in an environment that carefully follows medical practice standards, is not associated with an increased risk of infertility. This remains the same if this is not your first abortion. Infertility is usually caused by untreated infections. It is crucial to carefully follow the advice you were given in order to avoid complications.

Unsatisfied with our services?

Are you dissatisfied with our services? Let us know…

The Centre de santé des femmes de Montréal is committed to offering quality services. Our staff team values a unique and feminist approach, where empathy, attentiveness, and respect are at the heart of each interaction. Your comments will help contribute to the betterment of our services! We respect your rights and appreciate your comments. Any complaint will be considered with our full attention and respect.

 

Who to make a complaint?

The treatment of comments and complaints is the responsibility of the Executive Director, who will take the time necessary to fully understand the nature of the problem and will try to resolve it, ensuring respect for your rights.

 

How to make a comment or a complaint?

Email the Executive Director. She will investigate the workers or doctors involved in the incident, analyze the facts, and determine if corrective action should be taken. She will inform you in writing of the result, no later than 30 days after receipt of the complaint. Where appropriate, the Executive Director will provide direction to the Center’s workers and will follow up.

Mrs Marie-Amélie St-Pierre
514 270-6110
ma.st-pierre@csfmontreal.qc.ca

 

Do you need help formulating your complaint or would you like to be accompanied?

Anyone of your choice can accompany you or assist you at all stages of your process. The Assistance and Complaint Support Center can accompany you at any time. Community organization mandated by the Minister of Health and Social Services, its services are free and confidential.

CAAP of the Island of Montreal
514 861-5998
info@caapidm.ca

 

You are not satisfied with the treatment of your complaint by the CSFM?

Contact the local service quality and complaints commissioner at CIUSSS Center Sud
Ms. Céline Roy
4675 Bélanger Street, Montreal H1T 1C2
514 593-3600
commissaireauxplaintes.ccsmtl@ssss.gouv.qc.ca

If the complaint involves a doctor,
contact the Collège des médecins du Québec
514 933-4787
www.cmq.org/page/fr/formulaire-plainte.aspx

Make a donation (in accordance with the donation acceptance policy)

What is the purpose of a donation acceptance policy?

This policy, adopted by the Board of Directors at its meeting of January 22, 2018, is intended to guarantee an informed position regarding the acceptance of donations, as well as the respect of the legal requirements, in particular those provided by the Income Tax Act.

 

What does the CSFM donation acceptance policy say?

This policy stipulates that under no circumstances is the Montreal Women’s Health Center obliged to accept a gift offered to it.

In particular, the Center may refuse a donation:
– contrary to law or public order.
– whose provenance could compromise the autonomy, integrity, mission or reputation of the  Center.
– the conditions of which ensure that the donor retains undue control over the use and management of the sums donated.
– for which the donor can not establish the legitimacy of the source of the sums, at the request of the Center.
– which creates financial or other obligations deemed inappropriate or disadvantageous for the Center.

The Executive Director is authorized to accept, for and on behalf of the Center, any donation made, following these instructions. and consulting the board of directors as needed.