OTTAWA – The Government of Canada announced their commitment to making sure women have access to safe abortions.
The federal government will give $2,119,073 to Action Canada to expand its Access Line and Sexual Health Information Hub, a website and call service line where people can find information on abortion and get referrals to see doctors in nearby clinics. The funding will improve public access to financial assistance, covering the cost of travel and accommodation for individuals accessing abortion care.
The National Abortion Federation of Canada will also receive $1,469,150 in funding over three years for financial support to women seeking abortion services. The grant will train health care providers in abortion services and ensure abortion clinics can continue to provide care.
The Minister of Health Jean-Yves Duclos declares, "our government has and will always defend a woman's right to choose while protecting and improving access to reproductive health services for all. As many individuals continue to face barriers and stigma when trying to access information and services regarding their sexual and reproductive health, organizations like Action Canada and the National Abortion Foundation of Canada are doing important work to find solutions. Together, we will continue to defend the right to safe and consistent access to reproductive health services."
The federal government states that a significant factor is the lack of culturally safe, stigma-free sexual and reproductive health services.
However, it isn’t the only factor. The cost of living and soaring gas prices is a contributor that limits access to abortion care. During the winter months, the highways are unforgiving. Now that it’s spring, most of them suffer from damaged culverts and are covered in floodwaters.
While these barriers vary between the provinces, there is one thing for sure; abortion clinics are localized in major urban centers, leaving rural communities in the Northwest region to travel great distances to seek professional care.
"Access to abortion care remains a significant issue for Canadians, which means that many have to leave their home community to access the essential health care they need. We are pleased that the federal government has recognized this barrier that disproportionately impacts women and other people who can get pregnant. Racialized people, those who have limited resources, young people, and LGBTQI2S+ people are the groups that face the most access barriers. We are grateful for the funding from Health Canada so that we can break down significant barriers, said Jill Doctoroff, executive director, National Abortion Federation Canada.
Marginalized groups, such as Indigenous and racialized people, members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and youth face these barriers and are the most stigmatized.
The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth, acknowledges these discriminatory practices, “We know that Indigenous, racialized, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities face intersectional barriers when it comes to sexual and reproductive health and today's investment is another step toward breaking down these long-standing systemic issues. Sexual and reproductive rights are human rights, and these projects will help build a more inclusive health care system."
The investment is a good step in upgrading Action Canada’s and National Abortion Federation’s reach into the rural and remote communities. Moreover, providing additional travel and accommodation grants to people to elevate the financial cost of driving to urban areas for abortion care is a step in the right direction.
However, the time it takes to receive the grant and make travel arrangements can be lengthy. Therefore, the question remains: is there room in the budget to get more medical care closer to those who need it.
