Inequitable Access to Abortion Services in New Brunswick Puts Lives at Risk

TORONTO — Harini Sivalingam, Director of the Equality Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, reacted to the state of abortion services in New Brunswick:

The failure to equitably fund access to abortion services in New Brunswick puts women’s lives at risk. While abortion is legal in Canada, it remains inaccessible to many women across the country. New Brunswick has the most restrictive abortion access laws in the country.

Currently abortion services are only provided in three hospitals in Moncton and Bathurst. Abortion services remain inaccessible to many vulnerable residents in the province. Those living in rural and remote areas, francophone communities, and low-income populations, face significant barriers to reproductive health care in New Brunswick. The impending closure of the only place in Fredericton offering surgical abortion serviceswill exacerbate barriers for women seeking reliable and timely abortion services.

Restricting equitable access to publicly funded abortions is unconstitutional. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association is currently challenging provincial regulations in New Brunswick that restricts funding for surgical abortions outside of hospitals. Access to safe, reliable, and equitably funded abortion services is critical for women’s equality.

The CCLA is grateful for the pro bono legal services of Andrew Bernstein, Gillian Dingle, and Alex Bogach of Torys LLP in this case.

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About the Canadian Civil Liberties Association
The CCLA is an independent, non-profit organization with supporters from across the country. Founded in 1964, the CCLA is a national human rights organization committed to defending the rights, dignity, safety, and freedoms of all people in Canada.

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