Abortion Care

The first step is to call or submit a self-referral to the ROSE Clinic and indicate that you are a Dalhousie student, so they can coordinate your care and referral back to the Student Health & Wellness Centre.

Your pregnancy must be 9 weeks (63 days) or less, counting from the first day of your last menstrual period.

A self-referral to the ROSE Clinic is required to start the process for bloodwork and ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and date of gestation. 

What to expect if you choose this option: 
You take 2 medications. The pregnancy will end, and the uterus will push out the tissue (like a miscarriage).

• The first pill stops the pregnancy.
• The second pills are taken 24 to 48 hours later, at a time when you can rest for at least 3 to 4 hours.

Mifegymiso is covered 100% by provincial health insurance plans (MSI, OHIP, etc.) and is covered 100% by the International Student Health Plan when using Direct2U Pharmacy.

• High success rate (95 to 98%).
• The pregnancy tissue is pushed out within 24 hours of taking the second pills in 90% of women.
• It is more private since it is done at home.
• You can choose to have someone with you for support.
• Can be used very early in pregnancy.
• Like a natural miscarriage or a heavy menstrual period.

• Cramping may be very painful.
• About 2 to 5% of people will also need a procedural abortion after medical abortion.
• Bleeding after a medical abortion may last longer than after procedural abortion.
• You may see large blood clots and pregnancy tissue.
• You may not know if the abortion worked until your blood test, 1 to 2 weeks later.
• Risk of continued pregnancy is less than 1 in 200 people.

Call Student Health & Wellness and ask to speak with a nurse as soon as possible. 

Student Health & Wellness Centre maintains the confidentiality and privacy of patient medical records.

The only way your records can be shared with anyone else is if you have submitted a Shared Record Consent Change Form. Consent for sharing your records can be given or revoked at any time using this form.

Asking for an Abortion: A Pocket Guide

ROSE Clinic (Reproductive Options and Services)

The first step is to call or submit a self-referral to the ROSE Clinic and indicate that you are a Dalhousie student, so they can coordinate your care and referral back to the Student Health & Wellness Centre.

The procedure takes place off-site through the ROSE Clinic.

Aftercare and follow-up support are provided at the Student Health & Wellness Centre.

Your pregnancy must be 15 weeks and 6 days or less, counting from the first day of your last menstrual period.

A self-referral to the ROSE Clinic is required to start the process for bloodwork and ultrasound to confirm pregnancy and date of gestation.

What to expect if you choose this option:

• A doctor will gently open your cervix (the opening to your uterus) with dilators (like those used during a PAP exam) that slowly open.
• A cannula (straw-like tube) is inserted through the cervix into the uterus.
  
• Gentle suction (like a vacuum) is used to remove the pregnancy from the uterus
• The procedure usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Procedural abortion is covered 100% by provincial health insurance plans (MSI, OHIP, etc.). Procedural abortion (one per policy year) is covered 100% by  the International Student Health Plan.

• High success rate (over 99%).
• Procedure is finished within minutes.
• Sedation (medication to help you relax) is used.
• Can be used early or later in pregnancy.

• Medical instruments enter your uterus.
• May feel less private because it is done in a hospital setting.
• You cannot have someone with you for support, since only patients are allowed in the operating room.
• You must have someone drive you home.

Call Student Health & Wellness and ask to speak with a nurse as soon as possible.

Student Health & Wellness Centre maintains the confidentiality and privacy of patient medical records.  

The only way your records can be shared with anyone else is if you have submitted a Shared Record Consent Change Form. Consent for sharing your records with a partner or family can be given or revolved at any time.

Nova Scotia Health Authority follow the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA).

Asking for an Abortion: A Pocket Guide

ROSE Clinic (Reproductive Options and Services)