Today, the Federal Government has tabled amendments to the Income Tax Act, to ensure charitable organizations are transparent as to whether they provide non-judgmental information and referrals for abortion care.
This legislation represents a significant step towards safeguarding reproductive rights and ensuring access to accurate, unbiased information about sexual and reproductive health.
“When organizations are dishonest about the sexual and reproductive health services and information they provide, there are real life implications. This includes delayed access to care and generating stigma and misinformation for a health care service that over one third of Canadian women will undergo in their lifetime,” says Jaise Walker, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Ottawa. "Taxpayer money should not be used to support organizations that spread misinformation about sexual and reproductive health and rights."
While this policy proposal is a positive step, it is just one piece of the larger puzzle to strengthen access to sexual and reproductive health care in Canada. Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights urges all levels of government to take further action to support community-based sexual and reproductive health care services that are the first port of call for young people and marginalized people in many regions, to prioritize comprehensive sexuality education, and to sign on to the new Pharmacare program that will provide cost coverage for contraception.
"We commend the federal government for taking this important step," says Meghan Doherty, Co-Director of Policy and Advocacy at Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights. "We also recognize that policies like this must be paired with improved access to quality public health and education services.” Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights remains committed to working with the government and other stakeholders to ensure that all people in Canada have access to accurate information and comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare services.
For more information on finding pro-choice pregnancy supports, visit https://www.actioncanadashr.org/finding-pro-choice-pregnancy-supports.