Pregnancy tests and options

ISHS is a pro-choice organization. We offer confidential pregnancy testing and non-biased information about all pregnancy options, in Greater Victoria, BC. Make an appointment at any of our sexual health clinics.

When you suspect you might be pregnant, the first step is to get a pregnancy test.

Getting a pregnancy test

A pregnancy test is generally a urine test and takes only a few minutes to give you a result. It’s best to wait until you have missed a period for the most accurate results, but some tests will show results earlier.

You can get a pregnancy test:

at Island Sexual Health Society (make an appointment)
using a home test kit (available at drug stores)
at your doctor’s office or walk in clinic

If you are worried about the results of the test, you may choose to have a test done at a clinic or organization such as ours that can provide support, resources, and referrals to you immediately.

If your pregnancy test is negative

If you do not intend to become pregnant, this is a good time to make sure you have a solid birth control plan in place. Make an appointment to get help choosing and using birth control.

A second pregnancy test may be necessary to confirm the results, and we can let you know if this is the case.

Pregnancy options

If you are faced with an unintended or unplanned pregnancy, then you may want to talk about your options. In Canada, there are three accessible choices:

Continue the pregnancy and parent
Continue the pregnancy and adoption
End the pregnancy by having an abortion

Get support

It’s important to get the support you need to help you with your decision. This support may come from:

a partner, friends, and family
a reputable counselling program (make an appointment to speak to an educator at Island Sexual Health Society). Be aware that some “pregnancy,”“crisis pregnancy,” and “pregnancy options” centres have an anti-choice (anti-abortion) bias. At ISHS we are 100% pro-choice, which means we offer unbiased, factual, and current information about all pregnancy options, community resources, and referrals and support your decision.

Make sure you pick someone you trust, you feel comfortable with and who cares about you. Remember that in the end this decision is yours to make.

Consider your feelings and situation

There can be many things to think about if you face an unintended pregnancy. You may want to consider:

Your feelings about being pregnant
Your plans for the future
Your thoughts, values or beliefs about each of your choices

Make sure you get all of the accurate information you need to make your decision. Take time to explore your feelings and consider your options.

Pregnancy options is a website with ideas and exercises to help you make a decision about your pregnancy. In BC, you can also call the confidential POS Pregnancy Options Service at 1-888-875-3163 for pro-choice counselling, information, and support.

**Be aware that if you are looking for pregnancy decision making tools online, you may also come across intentionally inaccurate and frightening information that looks very professional.**