September 28 is World Abortion Day. In New Brunswick, only three hospitals — two in Moncton and one in Bathurst — perform surgical terminations of pregnancies.
The only private clinic that did the procedure, Clinic 554 in Frederictonclosed at the start of the year.
The pire situation
in the country
In New Brunswick, provincial regulation 84-20 (New window) prohibits funding for abortions outside public hospitals.
Unlike almost all provinces, New Brunswick has always refused to fund abortions in private clinics, even if they cost less.
Abortion clinic: the federal government puts pressure on New Brunswick
Geneviève L. Latour, president of the New Brunswick Feminist Regroupment (RFNB), characterizes the circumstances in New Brunswick as worst situation in the country
regarding the right to abortion.
Yes, the right to abortion was won in the 80s, it should no longer be discussed
she said. Unfortunately, it’s still on the table.
An electoral campaign issue
Campaigning before the October 21 general election, the leaders of New Brunswick’s political parties are being asked to comment on this question.
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Susan Holt is leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Party.
Photo : Radio-Canada
Susan Holtthe outgoing leader of the liberal opposition, promises to change the law to expand access to abortion.
We must eliminate regulation 84-20
she said. In this way, funding for the procedure will no longer be limited.
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David Coon, leader of the Green Party of New Brunswick, during the leaders’ debate on Wednesday.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Patrick Lacelle
For his part, the leader of the Green Party, David Coonemphasizes that the decisions surrounding this issue belong to women. We are a party that supports women’s choice
he said. On the issue of abortion it is a woman’s choice. Absolutely.
In opposition, David Coon called for abortions at private clinics like Clinic 554 to be reimbursed by the province, and such a measure was part of the Green Party’s platform in the previous election.
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Blaine Higgs (right), leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, and his candidate Nicolle Carlin, Friday.
Photo : Radio-Canada / Alix Villeneuve
The Progressive Conservative Party did not respond to our requests for interviews. In power for six years, the government of the outgoing Prime Minister Blaine Higgs has always refused to expand access to abortion.
Geneviève Latour emphasizes that access to surgical abortion in New Brunswick is restricted for all women who live outside the two cities where hospitals practice it.
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Geneviève L. Latour is president of the New Brunswick Feminist Regroupment. (Archive photo)
Photo : Radio-Canada / Jean-Philippe Hughes
They may have to travel 6 hours in some cases, with the financial complications this entails and the need to take time off work.
Often, we talk about appointments that span two days
she notes. If you have children, it’s childcare. Hotel nights, blood tests, for example, which are only reimbursed in a hospital setting. There may be hidden fees.
According to the report by Allie Chouinard
