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Episode 3 – Beyond the Procedure: What Does an Abortion Doula Do?
Abortion is more than a medical procedure — it’s a deeply human experience. In this episode of Choice Chat’s Beyond the Procedure series, host Tara speaks with Rae Jardine, Julie Vautour, and Mel Fuller about the vital role of abortion doulas. Together, they explore how doulas provide logistical help, emotional care, and advocacy — reminding us that abortion is healthcare, and it’s about real people, not debate topics.

Thanks for listening to Choice Chat, a Humanist Canada podcast about choice, dignity, and reproductive justice. We’re glad you’re here. Do you have a story to share? Do you want to suggest a topic? Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media. We look forward to hearing from you. 

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In this episode of Choice Chat, we’re talking all about the logistics of abortion in Canada — what happens before, during, and after. Host Tara sits down with registered midwife Jenni Huntley and nurse practitioner/midwife Christy Tashjian to break down each step of the journey, from taking that first pregnancy test to deciding on care options and navigating recovery.

Jenni and Christy share their extensive experience providing inclusive, respectful abortion care, and discuss the difference between medical and surgical abortions, the role of ultrasounds, what to expect physically and emotionally, and the importance of support networks. They also tackle the stigma and silence that often surround abortion and advocate for normalizing the conversation as a common pregnancy outcome.

Whether you’re seeking care, supporting someone who is, or simply looking to understand abortion care in Canada more deeply, this episode offers practical information, compassionate guidance, and valuable resources.

SHOW NOTES

RESOURCES

Northwest Community Health Centers in Thunder Bay

 Thunder Bay Naturopathic Clinic

 Action Canada For Sexual Health & Rights 

The Access Line provides sexual and reproductive health information, and referrals to services including abortion anywhere in Canada. Available every day from 9 AM - 9 PM ET.

 Call 1-888-642-2725
 Text 613-800-6757
 Email [email protected]

 Abortion Care Canada – Need Support

 UnHushed.org

TAKEAWAYS

Abortion care is a vital aspect of reproductive health.

Individuals seeking abortion come from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.

There is often time to make decisions after a positive pregnancy test.

Medication abortions can be done at home, providing more privacy and comfort.

Ultrasounds are not always necessary for medication abortions.

Support resources are crucial for individuals making decisions about abortion.

Destigmatizing the word 'abortion' is essential for open dialogue.

Healthcare providers should meet individuals where they are at, without judgment.

Access to abortion medication can be tailored to individual circumstances.

Canada's healthcare system provides regulations to ensure safe abortion procedures.

SOUND BITES

"We have to meet people where they're at."

"There's time to decide, take a breath."

“…what I feel is so valuable is when we can offer abortion care and abortion services within the context of people experiencing all kinds of pregnancy outcomes.”

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Choice Chat and Abortion Care

03:10 Meet the Experts: Jenny and Kristy

05:57 Understanding Who Seeks Abortion Care

08:56 Navigating the Early Stages of Pregnancy

11:57 The Role of Ultrasounds in Abortion Care

14:48 Resources for Decision-Making and Support

20:51 Medical vs. Procedural Abortion Explained

26:59 Post-Abortion Expectations and Care

31:54 Accessing Abortion Medication and Overcoming Barriers

37:54 Canada's Healthcare Regulations and Abortion Safety

43:44 Destigmatizing Abortion and Closing Thoughts

FUNDRAISING

Abortion Care Canada Autonomy Fund 

https://abortioncarecanada.ca/the-autonomy-fund/

 Action Canada for Sexual Health & Rights

Thanks for listening to Choice Chat, a Humanist Canada podcast about choice, dignity, and reproductive justice. We’re glad you’re here. Do you have a story to share? Do you want to suggest a topic? Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media. We look forward to hearing from you. 

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In this premiere episode of Choice Chat, host Tara sits down with Dr. Renée Hall, a veteran abortion provider and contraception advocate. With over 25 years in the field, Dr. Hall shares her personal journey, the challenges of navigating stigma, and the urgent need for reproductive health education in Canada. From the impact of political climates to the closure of the Bagshaw Clinic, they explore how access, funding, and education intersect in the fight for reproductive justice. 

This conversation is a powerful call to protect bodily autonomy and vote with reproductive rights in mind.

Thanks for listening to Choice Chat, a Humanist Canada podcast about choice, dignity, and reproductive justice. We’re glad you’re here. Do you have a story to share? Do you want to suggest a topic? Email us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media. We look forward to hearing from you. 

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