A Guide to Finding Ethical Abortion Care
Pro-Choice YQL is dedicated to advocating for safe, compassionate, and respectful abortion care by partnering with providers who share our commitment to upholding ethical standards in reproductive healthcare. The National Abortion Federation's Ethical Principles serve as a foundation for the care we expect our partners to offer, ensuring that every patient receives the respect, autonomy, and support they deserve.
Empowering Patients Through Autonomy
Let’s talk autonomy—the power to decide what’s best for your body without fear, judgment, or pressure. When it comes to abortion care, the right to choose is yours and yours alone.
A key part of ethical abortion care is making sure that every patient has all the info they need. Providers aren’t just there to perform procedures—they’re there to guide you, share accurate information, and create a safe, private space where you can explore your options freely. Whether it’s walking you through what an abortion involves, discussing medically accepted alternatives, or outlining the risks and benefits, it’s all about giving you control.
We work with providers who put informed consent front and center. They ensure every patient receives a comprehensive understanding of their choices—culturally sensitive, clear, and respectful. This way, you can feel confident in whatever decision you make.
Privacy and Confidentiality in Abortion Care
If you’re wondering about your privacy and confidentiality during your abortion procedure, you’re not alone! Understanding how your information is protected is crucial for making informed healthcare decisions.
Your privacy is a top priority in abortion care. Every patient - including minors - who consent to their treatment deserves a confidential environment. This means that any details about your procedure—like your identity, medical history, and the nature of the care you receive—are kept strictly between you and your healthcare provider.
Remember, you have the right to ask questions about how your information will be handled and to discuss any concerns you may have about confidentiality.
Inclusive, Culturally Appropriate Care
When it comes to abortion care, inclusivity and respect are non-negotiable! Knowing that every individual deserves care that honours their unique identity and experiences is essential.
A good provider will use affirming and non-stigmatizing language that respects each person’s journey. This includes honouring a patient’s pronouns and ensuring everyone walks through the door feeling safe, supported, and valued. We recognize that many people have precarious, if not downright traumatizing, experiences in healthcare, particularly reproductive healthcare, and we do our best to minimize the harms inherent in Alberta's healthcare systems.
We emphasize the importance of compassionate care tailored to meet diverse cultural needs. We work with partners committed to best practices that reflect these values, creating an environment where every patient receives care that resonates with their background and beliefs.
Pain Management and Comprehensive Support
When it comes to health, comfort isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must. Whether it's physical discomfort or emotional stress, pain management is a cornerstone of quality care. Every patient deserves a provider who treats them with empathy and offers all available pain relief options. That means keeping you informed about what to expect, from your first step into the clinic to your follow-up care. We’re proud to work with providers who go beyond just treating the symptoms—they support the whole of you every step of the way.
If you're uncomfortable discussing pain management with your provider, you can also communicate your wishes to us so we can pass them on to a provider. Pain management can range from over-the-counter methods to sedation for an in-clinic procedure. There is no reason for you to endure unnecessary pain or discomfort during your abortion.
Advocacy and Education in Reproductive Healthcare
In reproductive healthcare, staying informed isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential. Providers have a responsibility to continually educate themselves on the latest best practices to ensure they’re delivering the best possible care. This includes understanding when certain requirements, like mandatory ultrasounds before prescribing Mifegymiso, are unnecessary unless medically indicated. Such practices can create barriers to timely and accessible care.
At Pro-Choice YQL, we partner with providers who actively advocate for better access to reproductive services, ensuring that care remains patient-centered, evidence-based, and free from unnecessary obstacles. By staying informed and challenging outdated requirements, we work toward a healthcare system prioritizing patient health and informed choice.
Our Role: Partnering for Ethical Care
Though Pro-Choice YQL does not provide abortion services directly, we are committed to ensuring that the providers we work with adhere to these ethical standards. We believe in empowering patients, advocating for their rights, and promoting compassionate, non-judgmental care.
If you want to learn more or share your personal story, we invite you to participate in our Share Your Story project, where individuals can share their abortion experiences, helping others feel seen and supported.
