By: Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA
Studies found that people in Canada express the most pride in their health care system. In addition, Canada is often perceived as a country that’s progressive, inclusive, and committed to social justice; however, the lived experiences of some Canadians paints a different picture. In this blog, I will identify some of the factors that account for the difference in perception versus reality.
What is Reproductive Justice?
Reproductive justice is a term that was coined in 1994 by a group of Black women who formed the Women of African Descent for Reproductive Justice. The main components of reproductive rights are:
Reproductive justice is a holistic and intersectional framework that takes into consideration the social, economic, and political conditions that impact whether and how individuals are able to parent with dignity. It was born out of necessity as a response to the shortcoming of the women’s rights movement which was influenced and headed by middle class and wealthy white women that excluded the experiences of women of color, other marginalized women, and trans people. Today; race, class, and gender still heavily impact reproductive justice.
Reproductive Justice in Canada: Problems, Solutions, and Resources
Race, class, and gender still matter in Canada because although legislation has been passed to protect the reproductive health of women, girls, Two Spirit, trans, and non-binary people, their lived experience tells a different story. A prime example of this is despite British Columbia repealing the Sexual Sterilization Act, underreported forced sterilizations continued in Canada. Another instance that pertains to geographic and financial constraints is access (or lack thereof) to abortion services in Indigenous communities. Oftentimes, Indigenous communities are in remote or rural areas, resulting in long(er) commute times to abortion clinics. From a financial standpoint, they often find themselves paying upfront and out of pocket for travel. This doesn’t take into account the costs for overnight stays (if necessary) or losing out on wages for unpaid time off of work.
When it comes to Black women, some evidence in Canada points to the possibility of higher rates of maternal mortality. According to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Black women are approximately three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women. What’s even more alarming is that the quality of maternal healthcare is even worse for Black women who face poverty, unstable housing, food insecurity and violence in their everyday lives. This is as a result of not only structural bias, but also personal (unconscious) biases from the healthcare providers that are responsible for the care of Black women. An example of this is documented by Health Canada’s 2001 report titled: Certain Circumstances Issues in Equity and Responsiveness in Access to Health Care in Canada. They found that during routine procedures for the birthing process, Black women’s complaints about being in pain were dismissed by health professionals; due to the belief that black skin is tough. This misconception is rooted in history and dates back to the 1800s when Dr. J. Marion Simms, who is known as the father of gynecology, conducted medical experiments on Black women without giving them anesthesia. These occurrences and many more, especially those that are not reported or shared are the reason why race, class, and gender still matter in Canada when it comes to reproductive justice.
Community advocates work tirelessly to eliminate these barriers so that individuals who are in need, can access the necessary support, services, and resources that they need to fulfill the tenets of reproductive justice. In addition, cooperation is required from the various levels of government to ensure that equitable and non-descriminatory policies exist to protect individuals and their rights to access the appropriate services for their reproductive health.
If you are a Black woman who is experiencing challenges or interference with your reproductive health; more specifically concerning reproductive justice, below are some resources that you may find helpful:
As always - be informed, live empowered, take deep care, and be well mama.
Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA
Certified Transformational Health and Life Coach | Certified Yoga and Meditation Teacher | Certified Emotional Emancipation Facilitator | Certified Reiki Practitioner | Founder, Wholesome Mind Health Coaching