Pregnancy Options

A public adoption means that the child will be in the care of the Children's Aid Society (CAS). This type of adoption happens when the birth parents make this adoption plan or when the court takes custody of the child and the child is removed from the birth parents care.

There is no cost to the adoptive parent(s).

There is no set waiting period once approved. It can take six months to two years to find a match for a child.

For more information, visit the Ministry of Children and Youth Services web page on adoption.

In a private adoption, a lawyer manages the adoption. A private agency licensed by the government can also handle the adoption. Birth parents can choose a private or government adoption agency. After finding an agency, they can make an adoption plan.

Private adoptions have a cost. Private agencies or lawyers charge a fee for service that can range from $15,000 to $25,000. There are also fees for a home study assessment, parent training and possible other fees.

There is no set timeframe after the home study occurs. The birth parents make the decision about who adopts the child and the timeframe. Some people choose to keep in touch with the birth parent(s).

For more information, visit the Ministry of Children and Youth Services web page on adoption.

International adoption

An international adoption involves children who are from other countries. The process is done through an agency or orphanage.

There is a cost for international adoption. Agencies can charge $20,000 to $50,000 for their service. There are also fees for home study assessment, parent training, and possible other fees, including travel.

In an international adoption, wait times are based on the country you are adopting from. Each agency will let you know about the waiting timeframe.

For more information, visit the Ministry of Children and Youth Services web page on adoption.

Surgical abortion is ending a pregnancy through a surgical procedure done at a hospital or abortion clinic.

Hospital

• It can be done at most hospitals if under 12 weeks pregnant.
• A referral from a health care provider is required.
• The procedure is done under anesthetic (you are put to sleep).
• A referral can be done at our sexual health clinics.
• Someone must take you to the hospital for your procedure.

Clinics

• The clinics are in Toronto and other areas. They are not in Durham Region.
• You can call and make your own appointment without seeing a health care provider.
• It is a procedure done with pain medication.
• The medication is used to help relax and calm you.
• You need someone to take you to your appointment.

For more information, visit the Toronto Abortion Clinic website. For other clinic contact information, you can call and speak to a public health nurse in the sexual health clinic.

Medical abortion is ending a pregnancy using medication.

Mifegymiso is Health Canada approved and available for medical termination of pregnancy. It can be used up to nine weeks.

Clinics

• Only select health care providers in Durham Region are offering this service.  You will need a referral.
• Some clinics in Toronto also offer this option of ending a pregnancy.  You can self-refer.

For more information, visit the Bay Centre website or the Women's Care Clinic website.