Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued the following statement today on International Safe Abortion Day:

“On this International Safe Abortion Day, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to defending women’s fundamental right to choose. No woman should be forced into an unwanted pregnancy and the Canadian government is unequivocal on this.

“Here in Canada, access to safe and legal abortion has been possible for almost 35 years thanks to decades of fiery activism. Abortion is a benefit covered by our universal health care system. But there is still work to be done to improve accessibility, particularly in rural and remote communities. In May, the Canadian government announced funding to support civil society organizations, including Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights and the National Abortion Federation of Canada, to increase access to safe and inclusive sexual and reproductive health services. These include providing financial assistance to abortion seekers to cover their travel expenses and training health professionals who provide abortion services.

“Abortion is an essential health service that is safe when performed in a medical setting. Unfortunately, almost half of all abortions worldwide are performed unsafely, and such abortions are a leading cause of maternal deaths. These tragic and preventable deaths will continue as long as women are denied the right to make decisions about their own bodies. That’s why we help advance sexual and reproductive health and rights in developing countries by providing funds to expand access to safe abortions, aftercare and family planning tools.

“Today we look back on the progress we have made. We also think of the work that still needs to be done to ensure everyone has access to a safe abortion, including confronting those who want to set us back. To all those at home and around the world who are still fighting for their safety and physical autonomy: know that we will always defend your right to choose. »