Quebec has introduced its first-ever action plan aimed at improving access to abortion in the province and reaffirming women’s right to choose, particularly in light of the setbacks to reproductive rights unfolding in the United States.
Martine Biron, minister responsible for the status of women, announced the Plan d’action gouvernemental sur l’accès à l’avortement 2024-2027 on Monday, saying this plan responds to women’s concerns about the protection of their rights.
“Everywhere in the world, we’re seeing a decline in women’s rights,” Biron said, noting the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the United States in 2022, ending 50 years of federal abortion rights.
“Our government is ready to protect the rights of women.”
The plan outlines 28 measures based on four general objectives: facilitating access to abortion in the regions, combating misinformation, improving information on contraception and promoting research.
To improve access, Quebec wants to support the development of new abortion service points, particularly in Quebec City. As it stands, Biron says wait times can be up to five weeks to receive an abortion outside of Montreal.
Another part of the plan is to make access to the abortion pill more accessible, in part by making women more aware of it.
“Statistically, we see that it is not well known and definitely underused in Quebec,” Biron said.
She notes that in Quebec, only 17 per cent of abortions take place using the pill. That’s compared to 72 per cent in France and 32 per cent in Ontario.
The plan is backed by a $7.5 million investment to be implemented by 2027.
Following the re-election of Donald Trump as president, Quebec politicians and some groups protecting the right for women to get an abortion in Canada say they’re wary about the future of women’s right to choose north of the border. Some advocates say the rhetoric is dangerous and could spill into Canadian politics.