Thread by @EmHerringtonMD

It is with sadness that I share with you all today that I will be closing my specialized family medicine practice in November.

I have been offered a #surgicalabortion role in BC!

Surgical abortion opportunities like this are limited (sometimes more so for family docs) and I knew that I had to take the leap. The Ottawa #OBGYN team was so dedicated to my surgical abortion learning and I want to maintain those skills.

I have training I want to use.

My clinic will continue to accept some referrals as outlined by faxes sent to clinics in the surrounding area. Patients can still self-refer for #contraception, #pap smears, and #abortion care.

Medical abortion care (in-person and virtual) will continue until early October.

Updates will be provided on our website and my twitter.

The Kensington is aware of my pending closure (and I am grateful for their partnership throughout these many months).

I am so proud of what we at the clinic were able to accomplish in such a short amount of time.
We really leaned into the work.

My sadness comes from the fact that my partner and I had every intention of making Alberta our home.

Being a lone abortion provider in Alberta with high volumes meant no real vacations (always on call for patients). It meant not leaving clinic until very late at night.

It meant hours on the phone with forced birther pharmacists. It meant limited access to ultrasound clinics in some cities because they were owned by those with religious affiliations (most often Mormon) who refused to provide care (👋🏻 Lethbridge!).

It meant minimal relative income (no billing code for #medicalabortion in Alberta; could bill $160 in Ontario and $250 in BC). It meant difficulty controlling my severe #Crohns, with an admission in March. I require a biologic infusion now q6 wks instead of the usual 8.

While I would normally be inclined to troubleshoot these barriers, it felt like Alberta just wasn't the place. There is a culture here that is difficult to explain. Add to this my #immunocompromised status as an #abortion provider and you've got a pretty unpleasant situation.

I have to also add that I met a lot of amazing folks here. I know how many people in Alberta are working towards a different future.
I deeply admire your tenacity and bravery, because it is rough out here.

There is much work to be done for #abortion care in Alberta. You keep your head down & just dig in, but you can lose yourself in that process w/out support. To the abortion community here: you're appreciated and cared for. To stay & do abortion work is an act of love and defiance