After the Canadian Government increased the funding to improve abortion-related facilities in the country, Action Canada saw a whooping hike of 264% in calls on their access line for abortion-related queries and help, the government figures revealed.
“With financial support to improve access to services related to abortion in Canada, Action Canada saw a hike of 264% in calls received on their access line, as compared to August 2021 and 2022”, Health Canada and PHAC said on Twitter.
It is right of public to have access to safe and reliable reproductive health care, including abortion, according to the firm belief of the Canadian Government. Even though abortion has been legal in Canada for thirty years, many people still face access issues.
The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women, Gender Equality, and Youth, and Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, announced more than $3.5 million in aid from the ‘Sexual and Reproductive Health Fund’ for ‘Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights’ and National Abortion Federation of Canada (NAF Canada) projects. By removing obstacles to essential abortion services, these initiatives will increase access and provide Canadians with accurate reproductive health information.
While obstacles differ from coast to coast, in certain cases they include a lack of accessibility, a lack of financial and logistical resources required to travel to get abortion care, and a lack of sexual and reproductive health services that are stigma-free and culturally safe. Accessibility issues for minority and marginalized groups, such as youth, members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities, and Indigenous and racialized individuals, are also brought on by prior experiences of discrimination within the health care system.
Action Canada will receive $2,119,073 over three years in funding to develop its Access Line and Sexual Health Information Hub initiatives, which provide precise and affirming information and recommendations about sexual and reproductive health. This project will increase access to financial aid for covering travel and lodging expenses and provides logistical help to people seeking abortion care.
NAF Canada will receive $1,469,150 in funding over three years to support women seeking abortion services financially and logistically, train medical professionals to provide abortion services and guarantee that abortion facilities can continue offering services and associated care.
These expenditures reflect our commitment to protecting reproductive rights for all Canadians, regardless of their identity or place of residence. We believe that women have the right to make decisions about their own bodies.
