Abortion access

Abortion is the procedure used to terminate a pregnancy. Abortion (both medical and procedural) is safe and legal in Canada and is publicly funded for individuals in New Brunswick who hold a valid Medicare card. 

There are two types of abortion offered in New Brunswick. Both medical abortion and procedural abortion are safe and publicly funded. Deciding which method is best for you is a personal decision between you and a healthcare provider (eligibility criteria must also be considered). 

Medical abortion is a publicly funded (free) with a valid Medicare card through the NB Medical Abortion Program. This process involves taking a combination of medication to end the pregnancy, which can be done at home. 

Individuals seeking a medication abortion must: 

• be less than ten weeks pregnant 
• have a prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner for the medication 
• be able to obtain medication from a pharmacy 

Procedural abortion is publicly funded (free) with a valid Medicare card. A referral is not required to access this service. This involves a short procedure with a doctor in a clinic setting. 

Individuals seeking a procedural abortion must be: 

• less than 14 weeks pregnant (up to 18 weeks depending on provider availability)  
• able to access services at one of the family planning clinics (Bathurst or Moncton) 

Options may be available outside of New Brunswick for people outside the gestational cutoffs listed here. 

Medical abortions can be accessed through: 

• a health care provider 
• a sexual health clinic
• Tele-Care 811 (can provide information and support 24/7)
• a family planning clinic (a referral is not required) 

Procedural abortions can be accessed through a family planning clinic (a referral is not required). For more information about family planning clinics and to book an appointment, call 1-844-806-9205.

The Medical Abortion Program covers the cost of the mifepristone 200 mg / misoprostol 200 mcg kit. 

The Medical Abortion Program is available to all New Brunswick residents who have a valid New Brunswick Medicare card and who have been prescribed an eligible drug under the Medical Abortion Program.

A patient only requires a prescription and a valid Medicare card in order for the Medical Abortion Program to cover the cost of the mifepristone 200 mg / misoprostol 200 mcg kit. 

There are no fees or co-payments for patients accessing the Medical Abortion Program. Community pharmacies that fill prescriptions for the mifepristone 200 mg / misoprostol 200 mcg kit electronically submit claims to the Department of Health for reimbursement.  

The Medical Abortion Program may reimburse claims for prescriptions filled at community pharmacies outside New Brunswick, up to the amount that would have been paid if the prescription had been filled in the province of New Brunswick. 

The Government of New Brunswick is committed to safeguarding your privacy. Furthermore, the Department of Health is subject to the Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Personal Health Information Privacy and Access Act. Visit the health privacy page for more information on our privacy practices and your rights.

Patients may contact their primary care provider or call the Centralized Intake Line (1-844-806-9205), for more information, including how to access the mifepristone 200 mg / misoprostol 200 mcg kit . 

You may also access the Medical Abortion Program policy (PDF 135 KB) or call Tele-Care by dialing 811.