The Access Line is a toll-free, confidential support service for questions about sexual and reproductive health, including safer sex, pregnancy, and abortion.
We provide information, support, and referrals to sexual health services seven days a week from 9 AM to 9 PM ET. We also offer pregnancy options and after-abortion counseling.
Our support is peer-based and doesn't replace care from a licensed medical or mental health care provider. We don't offer medical advice, therapy, or crisis intervention. If you need these types of support, please refer to the resources below.
Call, text, or email us
Call 1-888-642-2725 (every day 9 AM to 9 PM ET)
Text 613-800-6757;(every day 9 AM to 9 PM ET)
Email access@actioncanadashr.org (Weekdays 9 AM to 5 PM ET)
Languages
In addition to English and French, we have access to interpreters in over 230 languages through Remote Interpretation Ontario.
What happens when you contact us
When you call, you'll be connected directly to our team. If we miss your call or you reach us outside our hours, you can leave a voicemail. Your privacy matters to us, so we'll only call back if you say it's okay to. Otherwise, we'll wait to hear from you again.
Texts and emails are placed in a queue based on when they're received. We aim to reply to texts as soon as possible, but response times may vary. Emails are only answered by staff on weekdays between 9 AM to 5 PM ET.
Some Common Topics
Here are some examples of common topics on the Access Line:
- Abortion: types, provider referrals, after-abortion counseling, requests for support from the Access Fund*
- STIs: testing, types, assessing risk, where to get tested, support after a diagnosis
- Pregnancy: testing, options counselling, provider referrals
- Contraception: types, emergency contraception, provider referrals, etc.
- Accessing care: Navigating access to sexual healthcare services
*The Access Fund (NSEF) supports people who are experiencing financial barriers to abortion access.
Pregnancy Options and After-Abortion Counselling
Sometimes we can provide this support in the moment on the Line, but we may need to schedule a later time to connect based on current call volume.
Pregnancy Options
If you're pregnant and want to explore your options, we offer unbiased support. Whether you want space to process, information on abortion, adoption, or parenting, or referrals to trusted services, we can help.
After-Abortion Support
Support after an abortion isn't always needed, but we're here if it is. We offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space to talk about your experience, no matter how much time has passed.
* Some organizations offering pregnancy options and after-abortion support are anti-choice. You can check this list before accessing support to help you avoid them.
Your Privacy
Your conversations with us are confidential. If you call or text from an unblocked number, we can see it, but we don’t store your number unless you request a callback. We only return calls if you leave a voicemail and explicitly ask us to.
We don't routinely collect personal information. You won't be required to share information that can be used to identify you (e.g. your name, address, date of birth, etc.). If you request financial support from the Access Fund, certain information may be requested to set up bookings and payments.
You decide what you share with us. You can always ask why information is being requested, how it will be used, and if there's another way.
Review Action Canada's Privacy Policy.
Respectful Engagement
Respect and safety are essential for everyone, including our team. Pranks, harassment, threats, hateful language, or sexual advances of any kind won't be tolerated. If necessary, we will set limits and end the conversation.
Who we are
Our Access Line team is made up of staff and volunteer responders who are trained to provide compassionate and non-judgmental support.
The Access Line is operated by Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, a national organization working to advance and uphold sexual and reproductive health and rights in Canada and globally.
Volunteer with us
The Access Line recruits volunteers as needed and our next onboarding is planned for summer 2025. Apply here.
You can also join our mailing list to receive future updates about volunteer opportunities.
Resources
Crisis Support (24/7)
If you're in immediate danger or need urgent medical care, call 9-1-1.
- 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 (available 24/7)
- Kids Help Phone: call 1-800-668-6868, text CONNECT to 686868, or start an online chat
- Mental Health Support Resources (Government of Canada)
Health advice and referrals
811 is a health line available in most provinces and territories to connect to a Registered Nurse who can assess symptoms and provide advice.
Dial 811 for:
- Alberta
- British Columbia
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador (or 1-888-709-2929)
- Nova Scotia
- Ontario
- Northwest Territories (or 1-844-259-1793)
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Saskatchewan (or 1-877-800-0002)
- Yukon (or 1-604-215-4700)
For Manitoba: call 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257
Other Health and Social Services Referrals
211.ca provides referrals to health and social service resources. Call or text 211, or search online.