Close X
Monday, November 25, 2024
ADVT 
National

Nova Scotia Launches Toll-free Phone Line For Women Considering An Abortion

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 02 Feb, 2018 03:39 PM
    HALIFAX — Women considering an abortion in Nova Scotia will soon be able to call a toll-free number to access information, arrange testing and set up an appointment.
     
    The phone line will eliminate the need for a doctor's referral to obtain the time-sensitive procedure.
     
    The Nova Scotia Health Authority says the phone line will be staffed by a clerk or nurse from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Outside of those hours, callers can leave a voicemail and receive a follow-up phone call.
     
    The health authority says the clerk or nurse will be able to answer questions about the options available.
     
    Women will be able to make an appointment with a community-based physician for an abortion using pills, or schedule a surgical abortion at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax.
     
    The phone line, 1-833-352-0719, will be available starting this Monday.
     
    The provincial government announced last fall that it would no longer require a physician's referral to obtain an abortion and that the abortion pill, called Mifegymiso, would be available for free.
     
    The changes came after The Canadian Press revealed in a series of stories that women in the province faced significant barriers and delays to the procedure.
     
    Despite improved abortion access, Dr. Lianne Yoshida, medical co-director of the unit in Halifax, has said the lack of an ultrasound machine at the unit could still delay women from accessing abortion pills or the procedure.
     
    She has also expressed concern with the current billing structure, which doesn't adequately compensate physicians for the time involved with overseeing an abortion using pills.
     
    The province's fee committee is considering the request to create a unique billing code for prescribing Mifegymiso.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Final Phase Of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy Trials To Kick Off In Vancouver

    Final Phase Of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy Trials To Kick Off In Vancouver
    Ed Thompson remembers the helplessness he felt each of the thousands of times his twin daughters would turn blue and go lifeless in his arms.

    Final Phase Of MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy Trials To Kick Off In Vancouver

    B.C. School Trustee Vows To Stay Following Controversial LGBTQ Remarks

    B.C. School Trustee Vows To Stay Following Controversial LGBTQ Remarks
    Barry Neufeld says in a statement that he "must" remain on the Chilliwack Board of Education to protect "impressionable children."

    B.C. School Trustee Vows To Stay Following Controversial LGBTQ Remarks

    Metro Vancouver Cities, Residents To Oppose Trans Mountain Route At Hearings

    VANCOUVER — Municipalities and residents in British Columbia are set to argue that the proposed route of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion would damage sensitive ecosystems, harm public parks and trails and adversely impact homeowners.

    Metro Vancouver Cities, Residents To Oppose Trans Mountain Route At Hearings

    One Dead, One Still Missing As Family Swept Away In Vancouver Island Creek

    One Dead, One Still Missing As Family Swept Away In Vancouver Island Creek
    CAMPBELL RIVER, Canada — Searchers on Vancouver Island are hopeful but admit they are bracing for the worst after three people on a family outing on an all-terrain vehicle were swept away while crossing a creek near Campbell River.

    One Dead, One Still Missing As Family Swept Away In Vancouver Island Creek

    Any Steak Specials? RCMP Dashcam Catches Cougar In Front Of Banff Grocery Store

    Any Steak Specials? RCMP Dashcam Catches Cougar In Front Of Banff Grocery Store
    BANFF, Alta. — An RCMP officer on a traffic stop in Banff caught more than he expected on his car's dash camera.

    Any Steak Specials? RCMP Dashcam Catches Cougar In Front Of Banff Grocery Store

    N.L. Athlete Admits To Killing Man, But Argues She Is Not Criminally Responsible

    N.L. Athlete Admits To Killing Man, But Argues She Is Not Criminally Responsible
    A former top Newfoundland athlete charged with first-degree murder has admitted to killing a man with a hammer.

    N.L. Athlete Admits To Killing Man, But Argues She Is Not Criminally Responsible