Pregnancy Termination for qathet Residents
If you want to discuss your unplanned pregnancy options in a safe environment with a local health provider, or if you would like to access an abortion in qathet (Powell River), please call Public Health at 604-485-3310 to book an appointment.
In British Columbia, there are two types of abortion available: medical (the abortion pill) and surgical. You don’t need a referral from a health care provider to access abortion services, and abortion care is covered by PharmaCare for B.C. residents.
If you find yourself in an unplanned pregnancy and are considering your options, you can refer yourself to local abortion services through the qathet Public Health Clinic (VCH). If you are unsure about what to do, counsellors and primary care providers are available to help you make the decision that’s best for you.
Abortion services offered in the qathet region
Medical abortion services are available in qathet up to 10 weeks gestational age (the time since your last period). If your pregnancy is over 10 weeks or if you need a surgical abortion, you can be referred to an out-of-town provider, or you can self-refer to clinics in Vancouver, Sechelt, or Vancouver Island that offer these services.
Access and referral to abortion services
To access abortion services, please call 604-485-3310. A clerk will refer you to a local healthcare provider who will contact you within two business days to schedule an appointment. All you need is your personal care health number (PHN) and a phone number where you can be reached. If you do not receive a call within two business days, please call again and let the clerk know.
Willow Clinic in Vancouver offers medical abortion remotely and in person. Please check the link below for more information:
For other self-referring options out of town (in person), visit the following links:
- Booking an appointment at BC Women’s Hospital
- Contact Vancouver Island Women’s Clinic
- Vancouver Reproductive & Abortion Clinic – Elizabeth Bagshaw
For more information on the abortion process and what to expect, go to these informative websites:
You may also find some of the resources on the Dealing with Loss page of this website useful.
Information on Adoption
Please know that adoption/foster options are varied, between fostering (where you remain the parent, but another foster parent becomes involved to support you and the child), open adoption (where you and the child continue to maintain contact and develop a relationship), and closed adoption (where you and the child remain anonymous). Here are some resources you can look at when considering this option.
- Adoption Centre of British Columbia
- Adoption Council of Canada
- Canada Adopts! The process for putting your child up for adoption in Canada
Other helpful resources:
Still not sure what to do?
There is help to support you and provide guidance with unplanned pregnancy. If you want to discuss your options in a safe environment with a local health provider, please call Public Health at 604-485-3310 to book an appointment. Phone and virtual help is available via the Pregnancy Options line at 1-888-875-3163, the Sex Sense Expert line at 1-800-739-7367, or the Options for Sexual Health website.
For individuals who have a history of substance use disorder at ANY point in their lives or are currently using (alcohol, drugs and cannabis), qathet LIFT offers counselling and decision support.
If you decide to continue with your pregnancy, this page provides a starting point for learning more about the services available in qathet.
