Holt government repeals ban on funding abortions outside hospitals
Liberal premier says next step is working on how doctors can offer the service in new locations around N.B.
New Brunswick's new Liberal government has eliminated the legal restriction on public funding for procedural abortions outside hospitals.
The cabinet order swept away the decades-old rule — a single sentence in the provincial Regulation 84-20, first put in place to block a Fredericton clinic from offering the service.
Premier Susan Holt was applauded by members of her cabinet and caucus, and dozens of women who fought the restriction for years, as she brandished a copy of the order.
"Our team is proud to take this one small step," she said.
"We believe that abortion is health care and that everyone deserves access to the care that they need, when and where they need it."
Holt acknowledged the crowd of activists invited to her office "who have done the work over the last 40 years, pushing for this constantly, making sure it didn't get forgotten [and] it was always on the radar.
Among them was Judy Burwell, a former manager of the Morgentaler clinic in Fredericton — the facility that led a previous government to adopt the restriction.
"It's a good day for everybody, not just for us, but for all the young people who've been working for abortion services, and working very hard," Burwell said.
Holt said health officials will now work with the New Brunswick Medical Society and the province's two health authorities to work out how physicians to offer the service more widely across the province.
That could include having it in some of the community health clinics the Liberal leader promised in this fall's election.
Surgical
abortions were performed at the Morgentaler clinic in Fredericton for
years. After it shut down about a decade ago, it was taken over by
Clinic 554 and Dr. Adrian Edgar. Edgar closed the clinic in February. (Jon Collicott/CBC)
Holt and Dornan said procedural abortions will be reclassified as minor, not major, surgery, and the government will sort out what fee doctors will be paid for it and what other support they will need.
"That will be starting tomorrow. What we've done today is allow that happen," said Health Minister Dr. John Dornan.
He said several doctors have already expressed an interest.
Holt said the government aims to have those issues sorted out by March 31 next year.
Dr. Lise Babin, the president of the New Brunswick Medical Society, said she expects the process will be straightforward.
"I think it's going to take a little bit of planning," she said. "We have to make sure that it's done properly."
Currently, Medicare only funds procedural abortions in hospitals, and only three hospitals — two in Moncton and one in Bathurst — offer it.
Simone Leibovitch and Judy Burwell are former managers of the Morgentaler clinic. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
Former premier Blaine Higgs argued in 2020 that the province's two health authorities were offering enough access to the service and would have told him if more was needed.
But Dornan — a former CEO of the Horizon health authority — acknowledged Thursday that "we probably missed people that should have had access" because of the travel distances to Moncton and Bathurst.
"I'm not sure that was entirely accurate. The community has told us: 'We want this outside hospitals.'"
The regulatory restriction that was eliminated Thursday was adopted by one of Holt's Liberal predecessors as premier, Frank McKenna, in his attempts to block Dr. Henry Morgentaler from offering the service at a downtown clinic he opened in 1994.
"He's going to get the fight of his life," McKenna vowed at the time.
Former clinic manager Simone Leibovitch said Thursday she didn't believe she'd ever see the regulation changed to eliminate the restriction.
"When you fight and fight and fight, you just get worn out," said Leibovitch, who oversaw the shutdown of the clinic in 2014.
"It's a great day," she said. "My question is: where do we go from here? Let's get it going."
The regulatory restriction was adopted by former Liberal premier Frank McKenna. (CBC)
The Morgentaler clinic later reopened as Clinic 554 in 2015, when Dr. Adrian Edgar took it over.
But he closed the clinic in February, saying it was no longer sustainable financially without Medicare funding the abortions he provided there.
Jula Hughes, a former University of New Brunswick law professor who co-authored a federal report on abortion access in New Brunswick, said many other issues remain to be resolved but Thursday's change was momentous.
"It's not everything that needs to happen, but everything that needs to happen needed this to happen first."
Jula
Hughes, a former University of New Brunswick law professor who now
teaches at Lakehead University in Ontario, attended Thursday's
announcement. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
Edgar said Thursday that the change to the regulation allows him to look at providing the service again, though he said it may not happen in the same building.
"I would definitely become a provider again. … It really opens doors up," Edgar said.
"This is a sensible move. We are really just catching up with the rest of the country."
At Thursday's announcement by Premier Holt, Dr. Adrian Edgar said he might consider reopening Clinic 554. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
Martha Paynter, a reproductive health expert who teaches nursing at the University of New Brunswick, said she expects the service will more likely be offered at community health centres providing other forms of care, rather than in dedicated clinics.
She said that's because a growing share of abortions in the province — more than 70 per cent currently — are now done via mifepristone, a prescribed medication, meaning a shrinking demand for procedural abortions.
"The numbers are so low it would be extremely difficult to support a dedicated clinic," she said.
Martha
Paynter, a reproductive health expert who teaches nursing at the
University of New Brunswick, says a large share of abortions in New
Brunswick are now handled with medication. (Mikael Mayer/Radio-Canada)
But Paynter hailed the regulatory change as a watershed moment for the province nonetheless.
"We simply won't feel like such outsiders," she said.
"There has been this special and disparaging treatment towards New Brunswick abortion-care providers from the province, so this is very important from a symbolic perspective."
Harini
Sivalingam of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, which is suing
the province over the regulation, was at Holt’s news conference and told
reporters the organization will likely withdraw the lawsuit soon. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
Harini Sivalingam of the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, which is suing the province over the regulation, was at Holt's news conference and told reporters the organization will likely withdraw the lawsuit soon.
"We expect that this announcement will render our legal action moot," she said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Should not be used as a form of birth control
Rob En
Reply to hs fisher
Then don't use it as such?
Helen Cochrane
Reply to Rob En
Get back to us when it's your business & body.
Tara Willis
Reply to Rob En
R U sure?
Rob En
Reply to Helen Cochrane
I'm pro choice...
Rob En
Reply to Tara Willis
100%
Helen Cochrane
Reply to Rob En
I'm sorry that was meant for fisher.
Rob En
Reply to Helen Cochrane
Cheers :)
Tara Willis
Reply to Helen Cochrane
Open mind comment...because taxes pay for the abortion some might think it's their business. Agree?
Don Corey
My personal opinion is that abortion services should be more readily available in NB (including private clinics). This is a good move by the new premier.
It is ironic though that all the folks here who think privately owned clinics providing necessary healthcare services to NB’ers shouldn’t be allowed also appear totally ok with abortion services being the sole exception.
Greg Caddell
Reply to Don Corey
Not private, just outside of hospital.
Bill Watson
Reply to Don Corey
As long as the person wanting the procedure pays for it out of their pocket.
Rob En
Reply to Greg Caddell
Again its private, sorry to break it to you...
Greg Caddell
Reply to Greg Caddell
No debit or credit machine at the door. Public.
Rob En
Reply to Greg Caddell
You dont understand the definition of private vs public then...
Rob En
Reply to Greg Caddell
A GP office is private..
Don Corey
Reply to hs fisher
No, this change clearly means full funding by government (as it should be).
Bill Watson
Reply to Don Corey
I oppose the procedure being funding by taxpayers.
Don Corey
Reply to Greg Caddell
That does include private clinics, which is totally ok with me.
Rob En
Reply to Don Corey
it can be private and gov funded..
hs fisher
Reply to Bill Watson
then contact the government, or ........................
Don Corey
Reply to Bill Watson
I’m not.
Don Corey
Reply to Rob En
Yes, that’s the way it should be.
Bill Watson
Reply to hs fisher
Contact them about what?
Greg Caddell
Reply to Rob En
You are a bit out of your lane. It's ok, you'll get there.
hs fisher
Reply to Bill Watson
about your thoughts on the issue
Bill Watson
Reply to hs fisher
Won't do any good because Canada isn't a democracy.
hs fisher
Reply to Bill Watson
doesnt matter if it is a democracy or not, you dont take advantage of your democratic rights
Bill Watson
Reply to hs fisher
We don't have democratic rights.
hs fisher
Reply to Bill Watson
you dont anyway
Bill Watson
Reply to hs fisher
I don't what?
Ronald McCallum
Reply to Bill Watson
"Won't do any good because Canada isn't a democracy."
Well, the ECONOMIST Magazine's Democracy Index DISAGREES with your verdict as they described Canada as a FULL DEMOCRACY at Number #13.
Oh By The Way, your preferred country the United States of America is describe as a FLAWED DEMOCRACY at Number #29.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Economist_Democracy_Index#Components
Bill Watson
Reply to Ronald McCallum
I have zero respect for the Economist due to its political motivation.
Ronald McCallum
Reply to Rob En
"A GP office is private.."
A GP's office is usually NOT equipped with the necessary equipment for emergencies, whereas, a clinic would be more equipped than an office, subject to Provincial Health Regulations.
Bill Watson
Reply to Ronald McCallum
What's a GP office?
Ronald McCallum
Reply to Bill Watson
GP is the medical term for doctors who are in general practice. That term has been more or less superseded by the term Family Practice.
Bill Watson
Reply to Ronald McCallum
Please don't use that term. We don't use that term in Western Canada.
Ronald McCallum
Reply to Bill Watson
"I have zero respect for the Economist due to its political motivation."
What about the daily newspapers like NATIONAL POST and the other POST - MEDIA publications. They are politically motivated to endorse political parties and candidates, especially, at General Elections.
Bill Watson
Reply to Ronald McCallum
Agreed. I haven't watched or read news since October 2015.
Ronald McCallum
Reply to Bill Watson
"Please don't use that term. We don't use that term in Western Canada."
Who cares what Western Canada thinks about what terms that are used by Canadians in other provinces.
Bill Watson
Reply to Ronald McCallum
Please keep your terms to yourself.
Ronald McCallum
Reply to Bill Watson
"Please keep your terms to yourself."
Why should I? Those terms were used in the medical profession for generations.
Bill Watson
Reply to Ronald McCallum
Not in my part of the country. Anyway, the wife called and said dinner is ready. I'm currently at the library because I don't own a computer.
Don Corey
Reply to Bill Watson
So your mom called and told you to get home for supper huh.
Bill Watson
Reply to Don Corey
No. The wife called.
Rob En
Reply to Greg Caddell
Why is it so upsetting to ask about private clinics? its no way questioning a womens right to chose.
Bill Watson
Reply to Rob En
I strongly question the ability to chose. I don't consider it a right.
Rob En
Reply to Greg Caddell
Your entitled to that opinion.. Id suggest not getting into a relationship with someone who would have one if your so conflicted by it.
Bill Watson
Reply to Rob En
No one should have the ability to chose.
Greg Caddell
Reply to Greg Caddell
Because you are being manipulative and inserting a subject that is not related to the article in any way. This is not private healthcare, and you do not understand what that term refers to in Canada. It's only upsetting that you are trolling people.
Helen Cochrane
Reply to Bill Watson
How be you mind your business & let women decide themselves what's right for them.
Rob En
Reply to
I'm glad your able to express your opinion. I disagree and dont feel the state should be making such decisions.
Bill Watson
Reply to Helen Cochrane
Agreed, as long as it's not an abortion.
Tristis Ward
Reply to Don Corey
I believe that the clinics should be part of universal health care. I do not like private medicine being practiced.
Helen Cochrane
Reply to Bill Watson
That's not your decision or business.
Bill Watson
Reply to
Agreed. The state shouldn't make such decisions nor should individuals.
Rob En
Reply to Bill Watson
Your incorrect, the law banning them outside of hosiptals was to target private clinics which it did and they closed. Sorry if the facts are hard for you to expect..
Bill Watson
Reply to
I disagree.
Greg Caddell
Reply to Greg Caddell
You're.
Helen Cochrane
Reply to Bill Watson
Too bad.
Rob En
Reply to Bill Watson
You want the state to make the decision for everyone..
content deactivated
Bill Watson
Reply to Rob En
No. I just want it to be make illegal.
Helen Cochrane
Reply to Bill Watson
I'm sure she feels the same way.
Rob En
Reply to Bill Watson
Which is the state making the decision.. lol
Bill Watson
Reply to Helen Cochrane
I'm sure as well.
Bill Watson
Reply to
Not at all.
Rob En
Reply to
Your asking for the state to ban it..
Bill Watson
Reply to Rob En
Absolutely, yes. I really do have to run because the wife called a half an hour ago. And it isn't good to get her upset.
Rob En
Reply to Bill Watson
So you want the state to decide..
Night
Bill Watson
Reply to Rob En
Nope. G'night.
Bill Watson
I like where the US is headed in this matter.
Rob En
Reply to Bill Watson
The US has lost its mind on a non-issue... dont sleep with a women who would have one if your struggling with it.
MR Cain
Reply to
Your parents disagree.
Bill Watson
Reply to
Not sure I understand.
hs fisher
Reply to
has nothing to do with Canada what the us does
Bill Watson
Reply to
I wish it did because I admire the US.
hs fisher
Reply to
then dont post so much and waste space. Find us news to post on
Bob Smith
Reply to
I admire Canada for NOT being the US in many ways.
John Turner
Reply to
I'd guess you are a Trump supporter. Let's see how you feel in a year or so.
hs fisher
Reply to
no he was a Harris supporter
Bill Watson
Reply to
I'm a very strong supporter of President-elect Trump. I absolutely worship him.
hs fisher
Reply to
changes all the time
Bill Watson
Reply to
I opposed anyone getting the procedure.
hs fisher
Reply to
trump doesnt care, save the us money
hs fisher
Reply to
not headed in the direction you think
Bill Watson
Reply to
I respectfully disagree.
hs fisher
Reply to
respect to anyone would mean honesty
Bill Watson
Reply to
Agreed.
John Smith
Reply to
a tea-rollers sentiment
Bill Watson
Reply to
Agreed. hs shouldn't do that.
Peter Hill
Reply to
They’re not heading anywhere on it.
Bill Watson
Reply to
You bet they are.
Peter Hill
Reply to
They aren’t, didn’t more states legalize it this week.
Bill Watson
Reply to
Not the states that matter to me.
Peter Hill
Reply to
Then why are you talking about the States?
Bill Watson
Reply to
Because I admire everything about the US.
Peter Hill
Reply to
The you admire this being legal.
Bill Watson
Reply to
No
hs fisher
Reply to
doesnt matter does not vote in the us
hs fisher
Should not be used as a form of birth control
Rob En
Reply to hs fisher
Then don't use it as such?
Helen Cochrane
Reply to Rob En
Get back to us when it's your business & body.
Tara Willis
Reply to Rob En
R U sure?
Rob En
Reply to Helen Cochrane
I'm pro choice...
Rob En
Reply to Tara Willis
100%
Helen Cochrane
Reply to Rob En
I'm sorry that was meant for fisher.
Rob En
Reply to Helen Cochrane
Cheers :)
Tara Willis
Reply to Helen Cochrane
Open mind comment...because taxes pay for the abortion some might think it's their business. Agree?
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