START
I just found out I’m pregnant. I don’t know what to do.
What to do
- Go to a midwifery clinic, sexual health clinic, or community health centre
- You can choose to continue the pregnancy or end it
You may have missed a period or noticed changes in your body. Maybe you think you could be pregnant, but you are not sure yet. Whether this feels planned, unexpected, or unwanted, the first step is simply getting clear information.
Start by checking if you are pregnant. Many people do this with a home pregnancy test. You can buy a test at a store, but sexual health clinics often offer free tests and can explain the result right away, even if you do not have OHIP.
They can also talk with you about your options, including:
Questions people ask
Where can I go first to confirm the pregnancy?
Sexual health clinics, community health centres, and midwifery clinics are common starting points.
Sexual health clinics are often the easiest to access without OHIP. Community health centres and midwifery clinics may also accept you, but they often serve people based on where they live and may have limited space.
What if I don’t have OHIP or ID?
Many sexual health clinics do not require OHIP and may offer confidential or anonymous services.
Other clinics, like walk-in clinics, may charge a fee or turn you away if you don’t have insurance.
What happens when I go to a clinic?
You will usually be asked a few basic questions and given a urine pregnancy test. The result is often ready within minutes. Staff can explain what it means and answer your questions. You do not need to have everything figured out before you go.
How much does a pregnancy test cost?
- At a pharmacy, pregnancy tests usually cost between $10 and $30.
- However, you can often find cheaper tests at dollar stores, and they work the same way.
- Sexual health clinics often offer tests for free.
CAUTION: Some places offer free pregnancy tests but are not medical clinics. They may look like health services, but may not give full or accurate information about all your options, including abortion care. If you feel unsure, judged, or pressured, go to a trusted clinic for care.
What happens after a positive test?
A positive test means you are pregnant.
Clinics can explain what this means and talk with you about your options. This may include continuing the pregnancy or ending it. You do not need to decide right away.
How do I get an abortion?
Abortions are legal and common in Canada.
There is no legal time limit, but the care you can get depends on how many weeks pregnant you are.
- Up to 9–11 weeks: you can have a medical abortion using pills
- Up to 24 weeks and 6 days: many clinics offer surgical abortions done in a clinic
- After that: only some hospitals or specialized clinics offer abortion care, and you may need a referral from a doctor or nurse practitioner
If you do not have OHIP, you will likely have to pay for an abortion. Costs vary by clinic, how many weeks pregnant you are, and the type of abortion you choose to have.
- Medical abortions using pills can cost about $340 to $400, plus clinic or visit fees. The total can be up to $1000.
- Surgical abortions done in a clinic can cost about $500 to $2300, depending on how many weeks pregnant you are and the clinic. Earlier care is usually closer to $500 to $600.
If cost is a barrier, Planned Parenthood Toronto and Action Canada can help you find a clinic and look for funding. They may not provide the abortion themselves, but can help you navigate your options.
The MATCH Program at South Riverdale CHC offers abortion care for people without OHIP. You can contact them directly by phone or email, or fill out their referral form if you’re a healthcare or community worker. They prioritize uninsured patients, but there may be a waitlist.
Where this leads
Once you have your result, the next step is getting connected to ongoing pregnancy care, including registering for a midwife and primary care at a community health centre.
Go to the next page to see how to start calling, what to say, and what to do if you get stuck.
You can also go straight to TALK or ASK — whichever fits what you need right now.
If you or your baby are in danger right now
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Hospitals must treat emergencies, with or without OHIP.
If you are having thoughts of harming yourself: call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline, 24/7). Indigenous women: Talk4Healing, 1-855-554-4325 (24/7, 14 languages). If a partner is hurting you: Assaulted Women's Helpline, 1-866-863-0511 (24/7, multilingual).
For health questions that are not an emergency but cannot wait, call 811. It is Ontario's free health line, 24/7, with interpretation.