When ‘Free’ Isn’t Free: My Experience Accessing Abortion in Alberta

I just want to say you folks do an amazing job, and I wish I knew about you when I needed an abortion. To the people who say an abortion is free or easily accessible, I just want to share how much mine cost.

I had to drive from outside Lethbridge to Calgary, which was about $120 round trip.
My appointment was at 8 am, so I got a hotel, $140 for the night.
I didn't eat a whole lot (nerves) but fast food is even expensive and over two days I spent $100.

At my ultrasound, there was something wrong, and the doctor sent me back for two weeks, so I had to do the same trip again. Oh, and so many pads, I usually have a light period, so I was totally unprepared for the bleeding.

It cost $760 for my abortion. Not to mention that I had to call in sick to my job. I was lucky I had student loans to pay for it, but so many people cannot afford that.

- Anonymous Submission