Abortion

Quick Facts

  • 3 women in a medical waiting roomIslanders can obtain both a medical abortion (where pregnancy is terminated via medication) and a surgical abortion (where the uterus is emptied via a surgical procedure) on Prince Edward Island
  • Islanders can also access abortion services out-of-province
  • Anyone seeking abortion services can contact Sexual Health, Options and Reproductive Services (SHORS); a doctor’s referral is not required
  • Islanders under the age of 18 do not require a parent or guardian’s consent to access abortion services

The Longer Story

Abortion is a key and needed health service that should be accessible to all, regardless of location or gender.

Abortion access is relatively new on Prince Edward Island—until 2016, Islanders had to travel off-Island for an abortion and required two doctor’s signatures, adding to the barrier women and gender diverse people faced accessing a key health service. Inherent biases of medical professionals, limited availability of family doctors, and the expense of out-of-province travel has traditionally restricted abortion access for many women and gender diverse people on PEI.

Now, Islanders can receive an abortion through Sexual Health, Options and Reproductive Services (SHORS) or out-of-province. Additionally, a doctor’s referral to access this service is no longer required, and individuals can call SHORS directly to self-refer for abortion care. 

Islanders under the age of 18 do not require a parent or guardian’s consent to have an abortion (as long as they are capable of making their own medical decisions). Privacy for medical care is important, and medical information will not be shared with other parties without the patient's consent.

PEI Abortion Services 

Medical abortions are performed in Summerside and Charlottetown, free of charge. A medical abortion  is when a pregnancy is terminated using medication. Surgical abortions, which involve a surgical procedure that removes a pregnancy from the uterus via suction, are performed in Summerside.

To access either a medical abortion or a surgical one, contact Sexual Health, Options and Reproductive Services by calling 1-844-365-8258 to learn about options for your specific case.  

There is no cost for individuals accessing abortion services on PEI.

Off-Island Abortion Services

The Moncton Hospital in New Brunswick offers surgical abortion services to Islanders who are no more than 14 weeks pregnant. 

More options are available after 16 weeks gestation and SHORS can help with access to abortion with other programs. 

Individuals accessing abortion services off-Island may qualify for funding under Health PEI’s Travel Support Program. Additionally, staff at SHORS can provide information on funding for out-of-province travel and abortion access.

Published date: March 2024

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