If you think you might be pregnant, pregnancy tests are available. You can purchase a test online or at a local pharmacy to perform the test in your own home. This test usually costs around $10-$20. If you prefer, you can go to a walk-in clinic or see your healthcare provider for a test. If you have Manitoba Health Insurance, there is no cost for this test.
If you test positive for pregnancy, you have three options: adoption, abortion, or parenting. This choice is your choice, and no one else should pressure you into any option.
Abortion
If you choose to have an abortion, this means that you will receive a medication or surgical procedure to end the pregnancy. You can decide which of these you want to pursue, based on availability in your area. If you are considering abortion, it is important to access accurate, supportive information. Teen Clinics, Community Health Centres, and the Women’s Hospital all offer free, accurate, and non-judgmental information on all 3 safe and legal pregnancy options.
If you have a Manitoba Health Card, there is no cost for either procedure, though there may be extra costs such as medication involved. If you want to pursue an abortion, you can call Women’s Health Clinic at 204-947-1517, or Women’s Hospital at 204-787-3661.
Adoption
If you choose adoption, this means that you plan on giving birth and placing the child in the care of another family. Adoption can look differently based on the needs and feelings of the people involved. There are a number of resources in Manitoba to assist you in this process; some of these are https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/childfam/adoption.html, or http://adoptionoptions.mb.ca/.
Adolescent Parent Interagency Network created a video resource on Your Body, Your Pregnancy, Your Choice for young people between the ages of 12 and 19.
Parenting
If you choose to parent, this means that you plan on giving birth and raising the child. There are a number of resources in Manitoba to assist you with parenting; some of these are Manitoba’s Healthy Baby program at 1-888-848-0140 (this program runs in both rural and city locations), Manitobaparentzone.ca, and the Positive Parenting Program at www.manitobatriplep.ca.