Quebec launches action plan to improve access to abortion, protect women's right to choose

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 by introducing a telehealth service and making women more aware of the option. 

"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.

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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.

The plan is backed by a $7.5-million investment. The funding will also help support existing sexual and reproductive health services for women, Biron said, noting anti-abortion groups are active in Quebec.

Another key factor of the plan is to improve information about contraception, as one out of every two abortions is obtained by women who were using birth control.

Despite repeated calls by opposition parties and doctors, Biron said free contraception is not one of the measures outlined in the plan, but discussions with Ottawa are ongoing. 

"I can tell you that it's still a priority for me to work on free contraception," she said.

Access as 'main priority'

In a post on X on Monday, Health Minister Christian Dubé applauded the plan, saying a woman's decision whether or not to carry a pregnancy to term is "entirely hers." 

"In Quebec, abortion is recognized as a safe health-care service that must be accessible to women who make this choice, regardless of the region in which they live," he wrote. 

At the beginning of her mandate, Biron announced her intention to enshrine into law a woman's right to abortion in Quebec but was talked out of it by women's groups and experts.

"There was a possibility that if we went with legislation, it could open the door for a setback for abortions," she said. 

"Access was [the main] priority."