OTTAWA, ON, Sept. 28, 2024 – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued the following statement on International Safe Abortion Day:
“Abortion is health care. Family planning is health care. It’s that simple.
“On International Safe Abortion Day, we firmly support every woman’s right to make decisions about their body, life, and future. We celebrate the progress women have achieved and are committed to ensuring that it continues. We will actively protect a woman’s right to choose.
“Our government strongly supports abortion rights and always will. We are taking action to expand sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care across the country. We are removing barriers, increasing access to these essential services, and supporting community organizations in Canada to help deliver this care. This includes funding projects to increase access to safe abortion services for women, youth, and Indigenous, racialized, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
“Supporting abortion rights means more than just supporting the right to choose. It means expanding the choices available to women. Earlier this year, our government announced Bill C-64, the first phase of our pharmacare plan, which includes universal coverage for various forms of contraception. With $1.5 billion in federal investments, we are making contraception medications and devices free – from birth control pills, to IUDs, to implants, to the morning-after pill – so women are free to choose if, when, and how they plan their family. This coverage will provide nine million women with more choices and, importantly, more affordable choices – so their reproductive freedom is not limited by cost. Earlier this month, we jointly announced with the Government of British Columbia our intention to work together to improve contraception and diabetes coverage for residents of British Columbia. Once Bill C-64 is passed, we intend to begin formal negotiations, and encourage all provinces and territories to participate.
“Our commitment to increasing access to safe SRH services extends beyond our borders. As part of our 10-year commitment to global health and rights, we are making significant investments to support comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights for women and girls around the world. In 2022-23 alone, our global investments to support safe abortions and post-abortion care increased by over 50 per cent. We are also taking a leading role on the world stage to strengthen gender equality and promote the message – through action and engagement – that sexual and reproductive care is health care.
“As threats to women’s rights grow around the world, some celebrate these threats. Some cut funding for health services. Some may say one thing, but their actions show otherwise. And some choose to stay silent, almost ashamed to speak up for reproductive health.
“We will not be silent. No government or politician should tell a woman what she can and cannot do with her body. On this International Safe Abortion Day, and every day, we continue to work towards a safer, fairer, and more prosperous future for everyone.”
The Government of Canada recently launched online resources on SRH-related topics, including abortion, gender affirming care, and other sexual health care information. These resources are intended to improve access to accurate SRH information for Canadians.
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SOURCE Prime Minister’s Office