Overview
There are two methods for ending pregnancy in use in New Brunswick: medical abortion and procedural (surgical) abortion. Generally, you can have a medical abortion until you are nine (9) weeks pregnant; procedural (surgical) abortions are offered until you are sixteen (16) weeks pregnant. If you are over sixteen (16) weeks pregnant, social workers at the provincially-funded clinics in Moncton or Bathurst can advise you on care options that are out of province.
To estimate the date of your pregnancy, you need to know the date of the first day of your last period. Use this pregnancy calculator to estimate your due date. If you are unsure of your date, you can discuss it at an appointment.
Medication abortions
Medication abortions involve taking two medications, which come together in one package. The medications are paid for by the government to patients with a valid provincial Medicare card. The effect is to intentionally have a miscarriage.
Medication abortions are offered to anyone in the province who fits strict criteria. You must be less than 9 weeks pregnant at the time of ending the pregnancy. A provider can help you review the rest of the criteria to ensure this choice is safe for you.
A medication abortion in New Brunswick can be accessed through a number of options. You can access clinics paid for by the government in multiple areas of the province. You do not need a referral from anyone to access this service. You can book an appointment to discuss the government-paid options by calling their clinics:
Moncton, at the Family Planning Clinic, Moncton Hospital: 1-844-806-9205.
Moncton, at the Family Planning Clinic, Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre: 506-869-2770.
Bathurst, at the Family Planning Clinic, Chaleur Regional Hospital: 506-544-4150.
Saint John, at the Sexual Health Centre: 506-658-3998.
Fredericton, via the Sexual Health Phone Line: 506-453-5379, or call the Fredericton Downtown CHC, 506-452-5900.
Commonly asked questions about medical abortions are answered here. The information provided at this external website may not perfectly reflect what occurs in New Brunswick, but it is a good place to start.
For an infographic that explains medical abortions, click here. A video that explains the process in two minutes is here; this video opens with sound playing.
Procedural / surgical abortions
Procedural abortions, also called surgical abortions, involve a short procedure with a doctor which ends the pregnancy. The patient comes to a clinic which has special equipment. Normally, medications for pain and/or conscious sedation can be offered. Once ready, a speculum is placed, followed by a dilator, and then a device is used to remove the contents of the uterus. There is usually more time spent preparing than during the actual procedure, which can take minutes.
Procedural abortions are offered to anyone who is less than 16 weeks pregnant at the time of ending the pregnancy.
A procedural abortion in New Brunswick can be accessed through clinics paid for by the government to patients who have a valid provincial Medicare card in Bathurst and Moncton. You do not need a referral from anyone to access this service. You can book an appointment to discuss the government-paid options by calling their clinics:
Moncton, at the Family Planning Clinic, Moncton Hospital: 1-844-806-9205.
Moncton, at the Family Planning Clinic, Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre: 506-869-2770.
Bathurst, at the Family Planning Clinic, Chaleur Regional Hospital: 506-544-4150.
Commonly asked questions about procedural abortions are answered here.
Counselling and mental health
Before and after terminating a pregnancy, many patients have a lot on their mind and want to discuss their thoughts and feelings. To speak to someone who can assist, social work and mental health counsellors can be accessed through:
Short-term counselling, via a social worker at the Fredericton Downtown Community Health Centre
Social worker and psychologists, through the Bathurst Family Planning Clinic
Short-term counselling, via a social worker at the Dumont Hospital Family Planning Clinic
There are excellent resources available for you to review on the internet. We’re adding more as we receive suggestions!
For unbiased information or counselling, or any questions you have, you can contact the National Abortion Federation at 1 800 772 9100 on weekdays from 07h00 - 23h00, and weekends from 09h00 - 21h00.
From the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, a webpage of what to think about if you’re considering your options regarding an unintended pregnancy.
A website that focuses on the thoughts and emotions you may experience after you have terminated your pregnancy.
Post-abortion contraception
After either a medication or surgical abortion, it is important to consider a form of birth control. You decide what is best for you. Information is available for you to review on this website.