Self-referral for abortion services beginning Feb. 5

(HALIFAX, NS)-Beginning Monday Feb. 5, 2018, women in Nova Scotia will have the option to self-refer for abortion services.

Women who are considering an abortion will be able to call a toll free number, 1-833-352-0719.

A referral clerk or nurse will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday to answer questions.

The clerk or nurse can provide education, arrange for diagnostic testing and connect the caller with a community-based physician to make an appointment for medical (drug-induced) abortion, or schedule a surgical abortion at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax.

Outside of those hours, callers can leave a voice mail and a referral clerk or nurse will follow up.

Changes announced in the fall by the provincial government meant women in Nova Scotia would no longer require a physician referral to obtain an abortion in the province and the drug Mifegymiso, commonly known as the abortion pill, would be available at no cost.

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For media inquiries:

Public Engagement and Communications 

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Toll free: 1-844-483-334