Pregnant? You have Options 403-932-2900 or 24hr hotline 403-650-5326

Options

Adoption

Adoption may be a loving option for both you and your baby. This choice means you can continue with your life plans without the responsibility of parenting, or experiencing the grief often associated with abortion.

A woman chooses adoption for a variety of reasons. She may find herself financially, emotionally or otherwise unable to parent at this stage in her life.  She may not have a partner or other helpful support to share the responsibilities of parenting. She may need to break the connection between herself and the birth-father or have dreams and life goals she wants to accomplish. She may desire her child to have a two-parent family.

Today, open and closed adoptions are available. The decision to place for adoption can be made anytime during your pregnancy, or after your baby is born. Open adoption allows you to be involved in choosing a family, with ongoing contact between the birth-parent and the adoptive family. With an open adoption you can enjoy being a part of your child’s life by having visits, or receiving regular updates on his or her growth and activities. You may be able to place your child in the home of someone you know, or a family pre-screened by a government-approved adoption agency. Alternatively, you can choose a closed plan to preserve your identity.

Planning an adoption for your child can be emotionally difficult. As with all the choices, a grieving process can be expected. We are here to help you explore whether adoption is the right choice for you. We are here to support you throughout the adoption journey, and afterwards for as long as you need.

Parenting

The thought of being a parent can be overwhelming at any time, but especially if the news of your pregnancy is unexpected. Caring for a new life is indeed a big responsibility, but it can also be one of life's most rewarding experiences.

Many people would like to be parents at some point in their lives. Although the timing and your current situation may not be what you imagined, your pregnancy still offers you the opportunity to experience the joy of becoming a parent.

We can help you understand, and realistically evaluate your options while exploring with you the assistance that's available and most suitable to you and your needs.

Taking good care of your baby means taking good care of yourself. Starting before your baby’s birth, your physical health and emotional well-being are important, as is a healthy lifestyle. Our Earn While You Learn program will not only provide teaching on prenatal care and childbirth, it will give you an opportunity to earn much needed baby supplies before and after the birth of you child. We can also help you access other resources for self-care, healthy relationships and effective parenting styles.

Abortion

 Abortion in Alberta is covered by our provincial health care plan.

There are various abortion procedures available during the different stages of pregnancy:  

• Medical Abortion (up to 7 weeks gestation)
• Dilation & Curettage (6-14 weeks) 
• Suction Aspiration (6-14 weeks) 
• Dilation & Evacuation (14-21 weeks) 
• Dilation & Extraction (after 21 weeks) * 
  * This procedure is rare and not available in all provinces.  

In Canada, 90% of abortions are done in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, avoiding the added risk associated with later term abortion. The Canadian Medical Association normally recommends that doctors not perform abortions after 20 weeks gestation, as the fetus may be viable.

An ultrasound may be given before an abortion to determine the stage of pregnancy and also afterwards to determine if the abortion is complete. Depending on the type of abortion, the procedure may take between 5–30 minutes, with the entire process being generally less than 2–3 hours.

Physical and Emotional Risks

Abortions in Canada are considered to be a safe medical procedure. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks to consider.

Physical:

• Heavy bleeding
• Infection
• Increased risk of premature births
• Cervix or uterus damage, including small risk of infection or scarring
  that can be associated with future infertility or miscarriage
• Possible link to breast cancer * 
  * Controversial; further epidemiological studies are warranted.

Emotional:

Many women feel some sense of relief immediately following an abortion, while others encounter strong, negative emotions, either immediately or years later.

Emotional responses vary and seem to depend upon a woman’s age, the stage of pregnancy, previous mental health, religious or cultural beliefs, and whether she was pressured by others into having the abortion.

See also: After abortion for a list of Post Abortion Stress symptoms and reactions.

Considering Abortion 

Some women believe abortion is their best and only option while others are ambivalent about procuring an abortion. Sometimes women feel pressured by others to consider abortion.

Our trained peer counsellors are available to discuss with you any questions you may have regarding having an abortion, including your barriers to carrying the pregnancy, informed consent, risks associated with abortion, and alternatives to abortion.

We are here to help you understand all of your options so you can make a well-informed decision that you can live with in the long-term.  It is your pregnancy, your right to know, and your decision.  We are committed to providing you with caring support, no matter what your decision.

                                               Call the Centre today to make an appointment 403 932-2900

Disclaimer

• We are not a medical facility and therefore do not perform or refer for abortion