Women considering an abortion now have access to more information and are facing less restrictions around the procedure.
The Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) announced women will be able to self-refer for the procedure.
A toll free number has also been created to help them get information.
Julie Veinot, executive director of the Lunenburg Sexual Health Centre, says most women travel to Halifax for an abortion.
Now they’ll be able to find out if they have options in their own community.
“Having a central line will certainly improve access to people because they’ll know their options so hopefully the staff of that line will be aware of all the options, including the ones in the rural areas.”
The sexual health centre often sees women coming in looking to get the procedure done, not knowing where to turn.
Veinot says because it’s a sometimes controversial issue doctors don’t always want it posted publicly that they perform the procedure.
“For safety reasons it’s really great to have a line where people can call and get that information themselves,” says Veinot.
The province received criticism last year for accessibility to abortion and has since lifted some restrictions around abortion, including making the drug Mifegymiso, commonly known as the abortion pill, available free of cost.
However, some primary care providers say they are still waiting for more billing options from the provincical government as prescribing the drug requires more than what is offered at a general appointment.
The toll free number is 1-833-352-0719 and will be available starting February 5.
A referral clerk or nurse will be available Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer questions and callers can also leave a voicemail.
