Description of
the right

The decision to terminate or continue your pregnancy is up to you. No one has the right to force you to make any decision.

You can choose to terminate your pregnancy at any time. You do not have to provide justification or inform anyone if you are aged 14 or over.

If you wish, you can discuss the matter with a healthcare professional or social worker to help you make an informed decision.

If you have any questions regarding terminating a pregnancy or if you need support in making a decision, you have the right to receive respectful and non-judgmental care and services.

Abortion is free for people covered by the Régie d’assurance santé du Québec (RAMQ) or the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP). To find abortion services, you can consult this directory or call 811.

 

Methods of terminating a pregnancy vary depending on the stage of pregnancy. If your health facility does not offer the abortion services you need, it should refer you to a place where you can get services. You can also call the Montreal Abortion Appointment Center at 514-380-8299.

Several examples of situations

  • You cannot be forced to receive information about adoption before getting an abortion.
  • You do not have to get permission from the father before an abortion. Only your consent matters.
  • If a doctor does not want to perform an abortion, they must refer you to a colleague.

References

Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms: section 7

Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms: sections 1 and 10

Act respecting social services and health services: sections 3, 4, 5, 7 and 8

Civil Code of Quebec: sections 3, 10, 11 and 14

Professional obligation according to many other professional orders (list of professional orders)