Media Centre

Media Advisories

Over 700 Women’s Health Experts Meet in Calgary, June 25-29

WHY:	The 64th Annual Clinical Meeting of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC).  Leading international and Canadian experts will meet to discuss the latest knowledge and advances in women’s health and in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology.
WHO:	Over 700 delegates including obstetricians and gynaecologists, family physicians, general practitioners, nurses, midwives, residents, medical students and international health experts.
WHAT:	Five days of sessions covering the latest topics in women’s health, including pregnancy/childbirth, menopause, gynaecology, cancer, HPV immunization, research, and reproductive technologies.
WHEN:	June 25-29, 2008 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
WHERE:	Calgary TELUS Convention Centre 120 Ninth Avenue SE Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2G OP3

 

Please register on-site at the SOGC Public Education desk located on the Lower Level, South Building, of the Telus Convention Centre.

Media Highlights

International Women’s Health Symposium

On Wednesday, June 25th, hundreds of Canadian and international obstetricians and gynaecologists, healthcare professionals, world health leaders, and NGO representatives will meet to discuss advances and challenges faced by those at the forefront of the battle to prevent six million women and newborns from dying during childbirth each year. The 2008 symposium marks the ten year anniversary of the program and is focusing on vulnerable populations such as adolescents, women with HIV and AIDS, women living in conflict settings and indigenous women.   There will also be a panel featuring international experts on cervical cancer in the developing world. Experts on the topic of international women’s health, including Frank Kaharuza, President of Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Uganda, are available to speak with media. 

Canada’s Rising C-Section Rate

In Canada, the rate at which cesarean sections are performed is at an all-time high, with one in four children now born by C-section.  Not only do these rising rates mean women are facing slightly more risks of complications during childbirth, but it is also placing increased strain on an already stretched healthcare system.  SOGC President Dr. Guylaine Lefebvre and incoming President Dr. Scott Farrell are available to discuss why these rates are rising, what it means for Canadian women, and what is needed to help reverse this trend. 

“Morning-After” Pills Soon Available on Pharmacy Shelves

A recent decision by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) means that, in a few months, Canadians will be able to buy emergency contraceptive pills directly off the shelves in pharmacies.  The decision, says Canada’s ob/gyn society, is an important step to improve access to this important product, but the group is stressing that emergency contraception should only be used as a last resort, and should not be relied on as a primary method of contraception.

Contact

Mike Haymes, Media Relations Officer, SOGC
Tel: (403) 671-5613
Email: mhaymes@sogc.com

Natalie Wright, Director of Communications and Public Education, SOGC
Tel: (613) 240-0169
Email: nwright@sogc.com

About the SOGC

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) is one of Canada’s oldest national specialty organizations. Established in 1944, the Society’s mission is to promote excellence in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology and to advance the health of women through leadership, advocacy, collaboration, outreach and education. The SOGC represents obstetricians/gynaecologists, family physicians, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals working in the field of sexual reproductive health. For more information, visit www.sogc.org.

 

Last Updated June 20, 2008