May 8, 2025 | Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
OTTAWA, ON: This Women’s Health Week, the Society of Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) stands firmly in defense of sexual and
reproductive health and rights — including the right to access safe
abortion — as fundamental human rights that must be protected and upheld
in Canada.
Canada has been a beacon in a world that is seeing an alarming
backsliding of reproductive freedoms and rights for women. But Canadians
cannot be complacent and take these rights for granted, nor is the
situation perfect in this country. Many women continue to face barriers
to timely abortion care and reproductive health services, especially in
rural and remote communities. Stigma and ideologically driven
misinformation and disinformation exacerbate these inequities, making
access to care even more challenging, particularly for those living with
existing disadvantages and vulnerabilities.
Sexual and reproductive health and rights are fundamental human rights.
That includes the right to access contraception, fertility care,
comprehensive sexual health education and safe, legal abortion. These
rights are essential to personal autonomy, gender equality and the
ability to participate fully in society.
During this Women’s Health Week, the SOGC urges all levels of government
to take steps to not only affirm these rights but expand access to care:
make abortion services more accessible, make contraceptives free for all
women in Canada and ensure sexual and reproductive rights are protected
in law and in practice. We also invite all Canadians to join us and
other allies of women’s freedoms in defending the right to choose and to
speak out for accessible reproductive care.
“All women in Canada have a right to decide what happens to their bodies
and their families, and all governments and Canadians have a role in
defending and upholding those rights. The SOGC will continue to be an
unwavering champion of women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights
in Canada. We cannot and will not take these rights for granted.” — Dr.
Lynn Murphy-Kaulbeck, President, Society of Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists of Canada
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Media Inquiries:
Kelsey MacDonald
Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
[email protected]
613-730-4192 x 228