When You Weren’t Expecting: A Legal Guide for People with Unexpected Pregnancies
Written by Andrea Bryson and JT Michaelis Beck
Funded by the Department of Justice Canada and Health Sciences Association, this guide is to provide legal information for people who are unexpectedly pregnant outside of a long-term relationship.
This guide provides legal information only and is not legal advice. We strongly recommend that a person who finds themselves unexpectedly pregnant get advice from a lawyer that is specific to their situation.
For the purposes of this guide, the term “unexpected pregnancy” refers to a pregnancy that was not planned and where the person became pregnant with someone they are not married to or in a long-term relationship with. This guide contains information that generally applies to people living in British Columbia (BC). Note that there can be considerable differences in family laws and services between provinces and territories. While it is sometimes useful to look at cases outside of the province where you live, you need to remember that the cases from other jurisdictions may not be binding on local courts. The guide is not intended for people who are unexpectedly pregnant while in a long-term relationship or where the pregnant person expects to continue their relationship with the other person during the pregnancy or after the birth of the child.
We are sincerely grateful for all the research and expertise shared with us.
For any feedback, email education@womenslegalcentre.ca
Photography by Melody Charlie
Copy-editing by Naomi Pauls
Graphic design by Nadene Rehnby