Singh calls on Liberals to improve access to safe abortion services and make contraceptives free

OTTAWA – Today, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh called on the Liberal government to do more than talk about women’s right to safe abortion services by urging them to take meaningful action to ensure greater access is available across the country. Singh also wants the government to make contraceptives free as quickly as possible as part of the Pharmacare program they agreed to deliver for Canadians.

“Women are deeply concerned to see that the right to safe abortion is being threatened in the U.S. But there is much more that the Liberal government should be doing to uphold women’s rights here in Canada,” said Singh. “Women – particularly in northern and rural communities – often have to drive for hours because abortion services are not available in their communities. In the last seven years, the Liberals have done nothing to increase access to the abortion services Canadians need. New Democrats are asking the government to move beyond their empty words, stop treating abortion like a political wedge issue and actually make the investments necessary so women have the resources they need to take care of their health.”

As a concrete step that the government could take immediately, Singh is urging the Liberals to make contraceptives – including the morning after pill – free across the country. New Democrats have used their power to secure commitments on a national, public pharmacare plan from the Liberal government but Singh reiterated that contraceptives should be included to the formulary of medications the government covers immediately.

“Women want to know that elected officials are taking real action to defend their rights and improve their access to healthcare,” said Singh. “Instead of fighting with the Conservatives about their position, the Liberals need to ensure greater access to abortion services and act quickly to remove barriers for women by making contraceptives free. New Democrats will always defend women’s rights and fight for solutions to improve the health care services they deserve.”