Sexual and Reproductive Health

Ontario has many services to help you maintain your sexual and reproductive health. Find the services you need and learn more about sexual identity.

Reproductive and Sexual Health

What are community health centres?
Community Health Centres (CHC) services help people in your community get health care and attend programs regardless of their life situation or financial status.
What types of birth control can I get in Ontario?
You can get many types of birth control in Ontario. Generally, OHIP does not cover birth control methods.
I did not plan to get pregnant. What are my choices?
This can be a very confusing and stressful time. You have choices.
Where can I find information about sexual and reproductive health?
Many organizations and websites have information about sexual and reproductive health.
How and when should I schedule my first gynecology appointment?
On top of screening for potential health problems and addressing any health concerns you are having, your first gynecology appointment can also act as a safe space for asking questions and learning about healthy habits.
What can I expect from my gynecology appointment?
Your first appointment is the right step in beginning a lifetime of healthy habits.
How do I access abortion services in Ontario?
Abortions are available across Ontario and covered by OHIP until 24 weeks gestation; however not every city has equal access.
What mental health support can I receive after miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss?
A loss, even in the early weeks of pregnancy, can trigger mental health issues for the parents and their families. Along with the physical healing, there will be a grieving process.
HIV Disclosure to Sexual Partners
Disclosing to a sexual partner means telling someone you are having sex with that you are HIV-positive. People living with HIV have a legal obligation to tell their sexual partners they are HIV-positive before having sex in certain situations.

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Contraception and Birth Control

What are community health centres?
Community Health Centres (CHC) services help people in your community get health care and attend programs regardless of their life situation or financial status.
How and when should I schedule my first gynecology appointment?
On top of screening for potential health problems and addressing any health concerns you are having, your first gynecology appointment can also act as a safe space for asking questions and learning about healthy habits.
What can I expect from my gynecology appointment?
Your first appointment is the right step in beginning a lifetime of healthy habits.

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Pregnancy and Birth

Where can I get health care if I don't have OHIP?
You still have healthcare options if you don't have Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP) or other healthcare coverage.
How do I find a midwife?
You do not need a referral from a physician or OHIP to get a midwife in Ontario. It is a good idea to try to contact a midwife clinic as early in the pregnancy as possible to ensure that they have space for you.
How much does it cost to get care from a midwife?
Midwives are funded to provide care to all residents (and their babies) of their catchment area, regardless of whether or not you have OHIP. This can be a lower cost option if you do not have OHIP and live in Ontario.
I did not plan to get pregnant. What are my choices?
This can be a very confusing and stressful time. You have choices.
Where can I find information about sexual and reproductive health?
Many organizations and websites have information about sexual and reproductive health.
What is Public Health?
Public Health units are responsible for the protection and promotion of health and wellbeing of the general public. Public Health aims to improve the overall health of the population.
Do we need a pediatrician?
Pediatricians are primary care doctors who specialize in children's health, including physical, mental, and social health.
How do I access abortion services in Ontario?
Abortions are available across Ontario and covered by OHIP until 24 weeks gestation; however not every city has equal access.
What mental health support can I receive after miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss?
A loss, even in the early weeks of pregnancy, can trigger mental health issues for the parents and their families. Along with the physical healing, there will be a grieving process.

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Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

What are community health centres?
Community Health Centres (CHC) services help people in your community get health care and attend programs regardless of their life situation or financial status.
Can I sponsor my same-sex spouse, common-law or conjugal partner?
Yes, if you and your relationship meet all criteria for sponsorship.
Where can I find support groups for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+) newcomers?
If you are new to Ontario you may want to connect with other newcomers who also identify as LGBTQIA+. You may want to find a community group specifically for LGBTQIA+ newcomers. You don’t have to be openly out to join these kinds of groups.

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Domestic Abuse

What are community health centres?
Community Health Centres (CHC) services help people in your community get health care and attend programs regardless of their life situation or financial status.
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse is hurt or neglect of a senior (elderly) person. Often, it is done by someone who is responsible for caring for the senior person.
What is domestic abuse?
Abuse means that someone hurts you mentally or physically. Domestic abuse is when a family member or romantic partner (spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend) does this.
What do immigrants and refugees need to know about domestic abuse?
Ontario criminal law and family law protect you against domestic abuse. If you are a permanent resident, you will not lose your status for reporting abuse or leaving an abusive relationship.
Where can I get help for domestic abuse?
You can get help in an emergency, in a crisis, or anytime that you experience abuse. You can get help in many ways.
Do you know a woman who is being abused? A Legal Rights Handbook
This handbook provides information on many legal issues faced by women who are abused by their partners.

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Sexual and Reproductive Health

Reproductive and Sexual Health

What are community health centres?

What types of birth control can I get in Ontario?

I did not plan to get pregnant. What are my choices?

Where can I find information about sexual and reproductive health?

How and when should I schedule my first gynecology appointment?

What can I expect from my gynecology appointment?

How do I access abortion services in Ontario?

What mental health support can I receive after miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss?

HIV Disclosure to Sexual Partners

Contraception and Birth Control

What are community health centres?

How and when should I schedule my first gynecology appointment?

What can I expect from my gynecology appointment?

Pregnancy and Birth

Where can I get health care if I don't have OHIP?

How do I find a midwife?

How much does it cost to get care from a midwife?

I did not plan to get pregnant. What are my choices?

Where can I find information about sexual and reproductive health?

What is Public Health?

Do we need a pediatrician?

How do I access abortion services in Ontario?

What mental health support can I receive after miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss?

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

What are community health centres?

Can I sponsor my same-sex spouse, common-law or conjugal partner?

Where can I find support groups for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, questioning, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQIA+) newcomers?

Domestic Abuse

What are community health centres?

What is elder abuse?

What is domestic abuse?

What do immigrants and refugees need to know about domestic abuse?

Where can I get help for domestic abuse?

Do you know a woman who is being abused? A Legal Rights Handbook