Petition for free contraception generates nearly 100,000 signatures in Quebec
Ghazal said that the election of Donald Trump and the impacts on women’s rights in the U.S. pushed many to mobilize.
Québec solidaire spokesperson Ruba Ghazal presented a petition to the National Assembly on Tuesday, advocating for free access to contraception across Quebec.
The petition has garnered nearly 100,000 signatures, making it the most-signed petition of the current legislative mandate.
Ghazal linked the surge of support to concerns over women’s rights stemming from political developments in the United States.
“With the election of Donald Trump and the setbacks for women’s rights in the United States, many Quebec women, and men as well, wanted to mobilize,” said Ghazal. “It doesn’t surprise me that my petition went viral. This is a way to protect equality between women and men.”
She emphasized that ensuring free access to contraception is essential to upholding a woman’s right to choose, especially during a time of rising costs.
Ghazal pointed out the financial burden of contraception, which disproportionately affects women, noting that affordability is often the biggest barrier.
“Studies show that cost is the most significant obstacle for women using contraception. Today’s high cost of living only adds to the problem,” she explained. “Twenty-five percent of young women who need contraception don’t use it because they can’t afford it. Making it free will help protect them from unplanned pregnancies.”
The Legault government is required to respond to the petition in writing by the end of January, as per National Assembly rules.
Ghazal criticized the absence of this initiative in the abortion access plan introduced by Minister Martine Biron, calling it a missed opportunity.
“With the savings generated from preventing unwanted pregnancies, free contraception is effectively a zero-cost prevention measure,” she argued. “I urge the CAQ to respond positively to this historic mobilization so Quebec can remain a leader and pioneer in promoting gender equality.”
The petition also highlighted that 40 percent of pregnancies in Canada are unplanned, contributing to strain on healthcare services.
