Pregnancy Options
Women in Durham Region have several options for how to proceed after having a positive pregnancy test for an unplanned pregnancy.
First, you need to get a positive test back. Free pregnancy testing is available at our sexual health clinics.
Choosing to continue your pregnancy
For further information about healthy pregnancy information or support when choosing to continue your pregnancy, visit the Pregnancy Health and Babies and Toddlers page.
Adoption
The three types of adoption available in Durham Region
Public adoption |
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. |
Private 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. |
Surrogacy
A surrogacy happens when a woman carries a baby to birth for another person.
Surrogacy is legal in Canada.
For more information, you can go to the Government of Canada website.
Abortion
An abortion can happen when a woman chooses to end a pregnancy.
Abortion is legal in Canada.
There are two kinds of abortion.
Surgical abortion |
Hospital
Clinics
For more information, visit the Morgentaler clinic website. For other clinic contact information, you can call and speak to a public health nurse in the sexual health clinic. |
Medical abortion |
Mifegymiso is Health Canada approved and available for medical termination of pregnancy. It can be used up to nine weeks. Clinics
For more information, visit the Bay Centre website or the Women's Care Clinic website. |
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