Gender-based Violence & SRHR

Those with the least access to services – those in rural and remote areas, Indigenous, Black, racialized and (im)migrant women, women living with disabilities, and gender non-conforming and trans people – have been experiencing the highest rates of violence and greater difficulty accessing sexual and reproductive health services.

Shelters welcomed $100 million in emergency federal funding, which provided a lifeline for these organizations. However, more support is needed to ensure the sustainability of the sector. In addition, the National Action Plan to End Gender-Based Violence, and a robust and equally ambitious implementation of the recommendations of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, should be launched without delay and fully funded.

During the pandemic, many sexual and reproductive health facilities closed or moved to telemedicine services. Lack of access to contraception disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, with cost identified as the most prevalent barrier. A universal contraception coverage plan would improve access and cost less than half of the $320 million in direct medical costs related to unintended pregnancies.