Abortion: A Reproductive Health Right
Since 1998, abortion has been without criminal restrictions under Canadian law. However, only 15% of Canadian hospitals provide abortion services, and it is impossible for women to obtain an abortion in Prince Edward Island. In New Brunswick, the provincial government refuses to fund abortions provided in private clinics. The situation in Canada is in direct violation of international commitments. It also contravenes the Canada Health Act, which guarantees that insured health services must be funded without financial or other barriers.
An Erosion of Women’s Reproductive Rights
A series of Private Members’ Bills that could erode abortion rights were introduced in Parliament during the last session. Disguised as protection for pregnant women against violence, these Bills do nothing to deter violence. But they do open the door to the recognition of a fetus as a separate legal entity – a slippery slope for women’s rights.
|
Women Need Access to Accurate Health Information
Accessibility includes more than just access to services; it also includes access to information. In 2007, the government cancelled the Canadian Health Network web portal. The absence of this excellent source of sexual and reproductive health information leaves a huge void for Canadians seeking confidential and reliable sources of information.
G8/G20 Maternal Health Platform
In June 2010, the Harper Government refused to include funding for safe abortion as part of Canada’s maternal and child health platform at the G8/G20 Summit. This decision is effectively a death sentence for approximately 70,000 women who die each year due to unsafe abortion. This situation does not bode well for women in Canada. By denying safe abortion to women overseas, the Canadian Government has made it clear it disapproves of abortion on ideological grounds.
|
