Pregnancy Loss

Choice in Health provides trauma-informed, client-led care to manage first trimester pregnancy loss. We understand that experiencing a loss can bring with it a spectrum of difficult emotions, and we are here to help you navigate your care in a way that works for you.

Please note that the language in the video below includes the term “abortion”. This resource was intended to explain how the D&C method is used in abortion services, however the information outlined can be referenced to understand how CIHC provides surgical intervention for miscarriage management.

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We offer a procedure commonly known as D&C, or dilation and curettage, that is suitable for a pregnancy loss up to 13 weeks in our clinic. For pregnancies over 13 weeks, you may be directed to a hospital or another clinic for care. A curette is a type of surgical instrument that is not actually used in current practice very often, with providers using gentle suction, or “aspiration”, to empty the uterus instead.

These are 1-day procedures that take about 5- 10 minutes in our procedure room. Most people feel well enough to do their daily routines the next day. While the procedure itself is quick please expect to be at the clinic for at least 3-4 hours and to expect an ultrasound and bloodwork. You will not be able to drive after your procedure. Please note: the appointment instructions you receive after booking an appointment contain the most up-to-date information on how to get ready before you come in.

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 For an appointment, call us at: 647-370-3203 or book online

Here are options you can choose as part of your care. You’re the expert.

  • We offer supportive in-person and virtual counselling. We approach counselling as a collaborative, consent-based, trauma-informed, non-directive process. Non-directive means that counselling honours how you think, feel, and relate to your own reproductive experiences, and respects that decisions about your reproductive health are yours to make.  

    Our short-term counselling services can support the various emotions that you may experience as a result of an early pregnancy loss, and may take place before or after a D&C. Counselling can include exploring additional resources that may be helpful for you. To book an appointment or learn more, contact us at 647 370 3203.

    See additional helpful providers and resources. Note that they may describe their services with language that is post-abortion focused.

    Note: Many anti-abortion groups offer services that perpetuate harmful myths and stigma around D&Cs. Before connecting with an organization that is not linked here, you can check if it is on this list of anti-choice groups.

  • We know how important it is for clients to include a supportive partner, friend, family member or service provider in their appointment. We have created a Guide for Support People to offer resources and explain some of the expectations for their time in the clinic.

    One person can join you in the clinic. If you would like to include them in the procedure room, then we will do our best to facilitate your request. This will be dependent on the care planned by the medical team and is not guaranteed, and does not include accompaniment during your assessment, ultrasound or recovery time. If your support person is caring for children at the appointment, then they will not be able to join you during the procedure.

    To minimize clinic traffic, your support person must arrive with you; and meet you after the appointment if they choose to exit.

  • At the appointment, we can support all clients who wish to take home their pregnancy tissue or arrange for collection by a funeral home.

    • Clients who wish to use the abortion-friendly cremation or burial service, aftercare.org, should submit an immediate need form, indicating “N/A” as needed so that all answers are complete. You may feel more comfortable asking a support person to do this. Most fees listed do not apply, so the cost is about $750.

    Choice in Health also aims to accommodate any advance requests for support with spiritual, cultural and wellness practices in our space. As soon as you have booked your appointment, please e-mail frontdesk@choiceinhealth.cato share information on how we can assist you.

    To ensure culturally appropriate care for Indigenous clients, we can facilitate smudging and other practices before a D&C procedure. You can indicate at the time of booking if this applies to your care, and note that we might reach out to move your appointment time.

Feel free to check whether we can support you with other sexual and reproductive health concerns.