New Brunswick Abortion Access: Last-Minute Options

Abortion laws vary across Canada, and New Brunswick has some of the country's most restrictive policies. In New Brunswick, abortions are only covered by Medicare if they are performed in a hospital by a gynaecologist, and only if two physicians certify in writing that the procedure is 'medically necessary'. This has resulted in a shortage of accessible abortions, with long wait times and high costs for patients. The province has also refused to fund surgical abortions outside of hospital settings, forcing community abortion clinics to close. This has increased travel barriers for residents and reduced access to abortion services, particularly for those who are unable to travel or have trauma related to hospitals.

Abortion pills and medication abortions

Abortion pills, also known as medication abortions, are available in New Brunswick. The abortion-inducing drug RU-486, marketed as Mifegymiso, has been legally available in Canada since 2016. Mifegymiso is a two-pill product that can be taken up to 49 days or 7 weeks into a pregnancy. The process involves taking a pill that blocks the hormones supporting the pregnancy, and then, 24-48 hours later, placing other pills in your cheek or vagina, which will cause the uterus to contract and push out the pregnancy tissue. This process will cause heavy bleeding and cramping. On average, the abortion is completed 3 days after the first pill, but it may take several weeks.

Mifegymiso is available for free to women in New Brunswick with a valid medicare card, making it the first province to provide universal access. The cost of the two-step treatment is around $300. However, access to the drug is limited by the small number of physicians with the training required to prescribe it. The drug can only be obtained with a prescription from a doctor who has completed the six-hour training.

The Moncton Family Planning Clinic, Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre (Moncton), and Bathurst Family Planning Clinic, Chaleur Regional Hospital (Bathurst) offer medication abortions. The Moncton Family Planning Clinic and Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre offer abortions up to 15 weeks and 6 days into a pregnancy, while the Bathurst Family Planning Clinic and Chaleur Regional Hospital offer abortions up to 13 weeks and 6 days into a pregnancy.

Medical abortions now outnumber surgical abortions 2-1 in the province. This shift is due to the increased accessibility of the abortion pill, which has made abortions safer, less stressful, and more private.

Surgical abortions

There are several clinics in New Brunswick that offer surgical abortions. These include the Moncton Family Planning Clinic, the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre (Moncton), and the Bathurst Family Planning Clinic, Chaleur Regional Hospital (Bathurst). The Moncton Family Planning Clinic can be reached at 1-844-806-9205, and the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre can be reached at 506-869-2770. The Bathurst Family Planning Clinic can be contacted through the Chaleur Regional Hospital in Bathurst at 506-544-4150.

It is important to note that New Brunswick does not fund surgical abortions outside of hospital settings, which has led to the closure of community abortion clinics and increased travel barriers for residents. As a result, some residents may need to travel outside of New Brunswick to access a surgical abortion after 16 weeks of gestation.

If you are considering a surgical abortion, it is recommended that you contact the clinics directly for more information and to discuss your specific circumstances.

Funding for abortions

Public Funding:

The New Brunswick Medicare system covers abortions performed in specific hospitals: the Moncton Hospital, the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton, and the Chaleur Regional Hospital in Bathurst. To be covered by Medicare, an abortion must be deemed \"medically necessary\" and performed by a gynecologist in one of these designated hospitals. This requirement often leads to long wait times and limited accessibility for those seeking abortions.

Private Funding:

The Morgentaler Clinic in Fredericton is a private clinic that provides abortions for a fee. The cost typically ranges from $500 to $750, and the clinic may offer subsidies for those who cannot afford the fees. However, the province has refused to fund abortions performed at this clinic, creating a financial burden for many patients.

Community Abortion Clinics:

Community abortion clinics, such as Clinic 554 in Fredericton, have faced challenges due to a lack of government funding. Clinic 554, for example, has struggled to stay open due to the province's refusal to fund the abortions it provides. The federal government has announced research funding for Clinic 554 and the University of New Brunswick to understand the barriers and gaps in accessing abortions in the province. This funding aims to gather data and evidence to advocate for improved abortion access.

Advocacy and Support Services:

Various organizations provide support services and funding assistance for individuals seeking abortions in New Brunswick. Abortion Support Services Atlantic (ASSA) helps individuals with transportation, accommodation, and coordination with other organizations to find funding. The Medical Abortion Network and Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights also offer assistance with accessing abortion care and travel funding.

The funding landscape for abortions in New Brunswick is a mix of public, private, and community-based sources. While Medicare covers abortions in specific hospitals, private clinics like the Morgentaler Clinic charge fees, and community abortion clinics struggle due to a lack of government funding. Advocacy and support services play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate the financial and logistical aspects of accessing abortions in the province.

Abortion clinics and hospitals

There are a few options for those seeking abortions in New Brunswick. The Moncton Family Planning Clinic offers medication abortions and surgical abortions up to 15 weeks and 6 days. They can be contacted at 1-844-806-9205. The Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton also offers medication and surgical abortions up to 13 weeks and 6 days. They can be reached at 506-869-2770. The Bathurst Family Planning Clinic, Chaleur Regional Hospital in Bathurst, offers medication and surgical abortions up to 13 weeks and 6 days. Their phone number is 506-544-4150.

It is important to note that abortions in New Brunswick are only covered by Medicare if they are performed in hospitals by a specialist, specifically a gynecologist, and deemed 'medically necessary' by two physicians. This restriction has been criticised as discriminatory and a violation of women's constitutional rights.

For those seeking medication abortions, also known as the abortion pill, Mifegymiso can be prescribed to terminate a pregnancy up to nine weeks. It is free for women with a valid New Brunswick Medicare card and can be obtained from the Family Planning Clinics mentioned above, as well as some doctors and nurse practitioners.

For those unable to access abortion services in New Brunswick, there are organisations that can provide support and assistance. The Medical Abortion Network can be reached at 1-844-806-9205, and the Access Line at 1-888-642-2725 can provide assistance with travel and accommodation for those seeking abortions.

Abortion laws and rights

Abortion laws and access to services vary across Canada, and New Brunswick has been described as having the most restrictive abortion policy in the country, excluding PEI, which has no abortion services. Abortion has been a legal procedure in Canada since 1988 when the Supreme Court of Canada struck down section 251 of the Criminal Code, which had required women to receive approval from a therapeutic abortions committee before obtaining a legal abortion. Despite this, access to abortion services in New Brunswick is limited.

In New Brunswick, abortions performed in hospitals by a gynecologist are covered by Medicare. However, two physicians, typically a family doctor and the gynecologist, must certify in writing that the abortion is "medically necessary" for it to be covered. This requirement has been criticised as an unacceptable barrier to access, particularly for low-income women, as it restricts their ability to access abortions without paying out-of-pocket. The government's refusal to fund abortions outside of hospitals has also led to community abortion clinic closures, further reducing access and increasing travel barriers for residents.

The Morgentaler Clinic in Fredericton was a critical provider of abortion services in the province, offering no-referral-required abortions for 20 years until its closure in 2014 due to a lack of funds. The clinic funded abortions for women who could not afford the full cost, spending over $100,000 to support women's health. However, the New Brunswick government has refused to fund the clinic, and women seeking abortions now face limited options and increased costs.

For those seeking a medication abortion, or abortion pill, Mifegymiso is available in New Brunswick and can be provided by a family doctor or nurse practitioner. This option is available for those who are less than nine weeks pregnant. For those seeking a surgical abortion, options are more limited, and there are only a few hospitals and clinics providing this service. The Moncton Family Planning Clinic and Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre offer surgical abortions up to 13 to 15 weeks and six days. Beyond 16 weeks, individuals may need to travel outside of New Brunswick to access abortion services.

Frequently asked questions