Pregnant, planning, or not sure what’s next?

Common questions about getting perinatal care at SRCHC

• What kinds of prenatal and postnatal care do you provide?

  We offer checkups, education, and support throughout pregnancy, care during labour and birth, follow-up care after your baby is born and access to contraception. You will be supported by our midwives and other professionals, including social workers, physiotherapists and dietitians.

• Do I need a referral from a doctor or clinic?

  No referral is needed. You can call us directly to request care.

• Can I get perinatal care if I don’t have OHIP ?

  Yes. We offer free care during pregnancy and after birth for people living in Ontario, even if you don’t have access to a health card.

• Can I get perinatal care if I have coverage through the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP)?

  Yes. We offer free care during pregnancy and after birth for people who have temporary health care coverage through the IFHP program, including refugees.

• Can I get perinatal care as a tourist or visitor to the province of Ontario?

  Unfortunately, we cannot provide care to visitors to the country, since our health care system is publicly funded. Midwives in Ontario, including our team here at MATCH, can only provide care to residents of Ontario.

  As a visitor to the province, it would be advised to access travellers’ health insurance and seek care from an obstetrician. Obstetricians in the province may be able to bill private insurance (midwives cannot) in order to care for you. Alternatively, you can pay out of pocket to seek obstetrical care.

• Can I get an abortion or talk to someone about my options?

  Yes. We offer medical abortion care and pregnancy options counselling. If you need care beyond what we provide, we can help connect you to other services.

• Do you provide care for people who are having a miscarriage?

  Yes. We offer support for people experiencing pregnancy loss, including medication, care, and emotional support.

• Where will I give birth?

  That depends on your situation. Birth can take place at a hospital, birth centre, or at home, depending on your preferences and eligibility. We’ll make sure you understand all your options.

• Can I still get care if I’m not sure I want to continue my pregnancy?

  Yes. You don’t have to be certain about your plans to reach out to us. We’re here to support you and talk through your options.

• Do you support 2SLGBTQ+ families?

  Yes. We welcome all kinds of families, including 2SLGBTQ+ clients.

• Can I receive care in different languages?

  Some members of our team speak multiple languages, and we can arrange interpretation if needed. Let us know what language works best for you.

• I don’t speak English very well – can I still get support?

  Let us know which language you prefer. We do our best to provide interpretation or translated materials when possible, and we’ll work with you to make sure you feel understood.

• What if I also need help with housing, food, or other supplies?

  If you need help with other resources, we can help connect you with other programs and supports in the community. Visit us to access our social worker for further assistance.