Quebec aims to increase access to abortion pills, contraception
Martine Biron, Quebec’s minister for the status of women, says it’s important to reinforce women’s rights at a time when they are declining around the world, and that one out of three women in Canada will have an abortion.
Quebec is taking steps to expand access to abortion pills as part of a new initiative reaffirming the province's commitment to reproductive rights.
Martine Biron, Quebec’s Minister for the Status of Women, emphasized the importance of protecting women’s rights, noting that one in three women in Canada will have an abortion during their lifetime. She highlighted the global trend of declining reproductive rights and underscored the need for vigilance in maintaining these freedoms.
Biron pointed out that individuals in regions outside Montreal can face waiting times of up to five weeks for an abortion. She stated that improving access to abortion medications could help reduce these delays.
According to government data, abortion pills accounted for 17% of pregnancy terminations in Quebec in 2022. This figure is significantly lower compared to 32% in Ontario, 53% in the United States, and 72% in France.
The province’s $7.5 million plan also includes initiatives to combat misinformation and improve access to contraception. The plan notes that the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning *Roe v. Wade* has emboldened anti-choice groups in Quebec and across Canada, further underlining the need for action to safeguard reproductive rights.
