Aboriginal Awareness Week and Jordan's Principle

The Aboriginal Health Initiative would like to bring to the attention of the public and SOGC members that this is Aboriginal Awareness Week, a week aimed at reminding those in public service of the challenges that First Nations, Inuit and Métis people face each day accessing health services.

We would also like to bring attention to an editorial on 'Jordan's Principle' published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (Vol.184 (8)) on May 15.

This Principle was developed to ensure that no Status Indian or Inuit child is denied care while levels of government decide who is responsible for payment. It was adopted by the Federal government in 2007, followed by most provinces and territories. Although some implementation has occurred, with the most activity occurring in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, there is still a lot of work needed to eliminate the impact of jurisdictional disputes on First Nations and Inuit children's access to all government services. In practice, the debates among government levels continue and families are caught in the middle.

The stories of Jordan River Anderson and others will form part of the SOGC's updated guidelines for health professionals working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, to be published in the fall of 2012. This guideline will provide information and tools that will allow SOGC members to advocate for improved health care for First Nations, Inuit and Métis.

Notice: SOGC annual business meeting

All voting members (Ob/gyn members and Life members) are invited to a ttend the SOGC's annual business meeting. A hot breakfast will be served.

June 23, 2012
7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
The Westin, Ottawa

Thank you for your continued support. We hope to see you in Ottawa.

National day of remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

In Canada, December 6th is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, marking the anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique Massacre, in which 14 women were killed in Montreal. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) is reminding its membership and all health professionals of the importance of possessing the knowledge and training to identify and respond to cases of violence.

In its Intimate Partner Violence guideline, the SOGC provides recommendations for health professionals on establishing a caring, nonjudgmental, and respectful approach to facilitating and responding to the disclosure of violence by a patient. The guideline, produced by a multidisciplinary panel of experts, is based on a thorough review of research and strategies to address intimate partner violence.