I’m not sure if I want to be pregnant.

Sometimes getting pregnant is not a welcome thing. If you know you don’t want to continue with the pregnancy, the Campbell River Fern clinic offers abortions. If you are unsure about whether or not you want to continue with the pregnancy, our counselor and doctor can help you make the decision that’s right for you.

Abortions are provided in the Campbell River Hospital up to 12 weeks gestational age.

To get an abortion, please make an appointment with a family doctor and request that they refer you to our clinic. Next, please call us at 250-286-7170 to set up your appointment. If you use the Babylon Telus Health App, ask the doctor to fax the referral to 250-286-7115. We understand that it can be difficult to get an appointment with a family doctor. If you cannot get an appointment, please call 250-286-7170 and we will help you obtain a referral.

If you know you are further along than 12 weeks pregnant, we can still help you, but it may be easier to contact the Vancouver Island Women’s Clinic in Victoria directly.

There are two types of abortions offered in Campbell River:

1. Medical: This is offered before 10 weeks gestational age. It is done by taking pills that induce a miscarriage. Usually, this means that you would have an evening of heavy vaginal bleeding and strong period cramping followed by lighter period-like bleeding in the comfort of your own home. This option is good for those in early pregnancy and for those who wish to avoid surgery due to work or childcare.
2. Surgical: This is done in the operating room in the hospital up to 12 weeks gestational age. A small tube is put in your vagina through your cervix and suction is applied to remove the contents of your uterus. The procedure is about ten minutes long, but you will need the day off of work. You need someone to pick you up from the hospital. You cannot drive for 24hrs and will have some bleeding and cramping the next few days.

At your first appointment with the Fern clinic, a counselor will either phone you or meet with you in person. The doctor will then review with you and take you through the options for an abortion if that’s what you choose. You will also receive an ultrasound on your belly. Please come to your appointment with a full bladder to help make the ultrasound easier to read for the doctor. Due to Covid-19, telehealth appointments are available for patients coming from different communities, though sometimes this isn’t possible due to the availability of ultrasound in these communities. If you choose to have a surgical abortion, this will be done at a later date. If you choose to have a medical abortion, the medications will be provided at the appointment.