Health & Sexuality

Abortions in BC: Your Questions Answered

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Last Reviewed:

June, 2025

Reviewed By:

JES Legal Specialist

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BIG IDEA

A safe abortion is a medical right in B.C.

Here's what you need to know:

  1. It is the pregnant person’s decision whether to have an abortion or not. You don’t need your parent’s consent to get one.
  • You don't need your parents' permission to get an abortion in BC. But it's a good idea to talk to someone you trust for support. Hospitals, doctors and clinics must keep the names of teenagers who have abortions private.

Get help

If you would like non-judgmental information and support about your choices, Options for Sexual Health has a phone service called Sex Sense, which is available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 1-800-739-7367 or 604-731-7803 in the Lower Mainland. They can also help you find a clinic.

2. Options besides Abortion:

  • You can choose to continue the pregnancy and have the baby. Or, consider adoption if keeping the baby isn't the right choice for you. Help and support are available either way.

3. What types of abortions:

  • Medical Abortions (these are done by taking an abortion pill). Usually done early in pregnancy. Medical abortion pills are free and available from pharmacies in B.C. You need a prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner.
  • Surgical Abortions are provided through abortion clinics, doctors and hospitals.
  • For more on these options see HealthLinkBC

4. Getting an abortion:

  • You don't need a referral from a doctor to access abortion services
  • You can call a abortion clinic directly for an appointment. If that's not an option, the Pregnancy Options Line can help you find a doctor or clinic.
  • You can talk to your family doctor or nurse practitioner for advice.

5. Cost and coverage:

  • If you're covered under MSP, abortion is free. Otherwise, it might cost around $500 to $650. There are ways to get help with funding if needed.
  • If you live in a rural area with no near-by abortion services, you may be able to get funding to travel to where you can get help.

6. Timing matters:

  • There are more options earlier in your pregnancy. Most are done within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and rarely after 24 weeks.
  • If you are worried you are pregnant, getting help early on is the safest and simplest way to handle this situation whatever you ultimately decide to do.

7. Safety first:

  • Abortions are safe, especially in the first trimester. Both abortion types are rated as low-risk.

Get help

Could I be Pregnant? Important things to know from Kids Help Phone and When You Weren’t Expecting: A Legal Guide for People with Unexpected Pregnancies

Is It Okay to Choose Abortion?

Abortions are legal health care in BC. It’s your right to decide what to do with your body. Ultimately, it's your choice.

Get help

Pregnancy Options Line: 1-888-875-3163 or 604-875-3163. This service provides information, resources and referral for all abortion services, including counselling, available to B.C. residents.

Sex Sense Line: 1-800-SEX-SENSE (1-800-739-7367) or 604-731-7803. This service offers general sexual and reproductive health information, as well as referral to resources throughout B.C.

The CARE program from BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre: 604-875-2022 or 1-888-300-3088 ext. 2022. Provides services for women experiencing an unintended pregnancy.

Dig Deeper

Options for Sexual Health: Abortion Resources and BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre: Abortion & Contraception