Tuesday 28 February 2023

Federal health minister says N.B. abortion access can be 'difficult,' but is quiet on what Ottawa will do next

 
 

Federal health minister says N.B. abortion access can be 'difficult,' but is quiet on what Ottawa will do next

Jean-Yves Duclos avoids promising new steps to force province to do more

Jean-Yves Duclos told CBC News he's awaiting a study Ottawa commissioned in 2021 on barriers to access in the province.

"We know that there are cases and places where that right is more difficult to exercise and that's why we made that commitment in the campaign," he said in an interview.

"That's why we are looking at all possible ways to make sure that women in particular have access to these reproductive rights." 

The New Brunswick refuses to fund abortions at Fredericton's Clinic 554, a private clinic. (Jon Collicott/CBC)

The province offers abortions up to 13 weeks of pregnancy in three hospitals, two in Moncton and one in Bathurst, funded by Medicare.

It refuses to fund the procedure at Fredericton's Clinic 554, a private clinic. The province says offering it at three hospitals in two cities is enough to meet demand.

Clinic manager Valerya Edelman said Ottawa has been "supportive" by commissioning the study and funding abortion-rights groups, but she's not sure if there's anything else Duclos can do.

"Health care delivery is a provincial matter … it's tricky for the federal government to get too involved in the delivery of health care.

While the building housing Clinic 554 has been sold to a new owner, the clinic is continuing to rent space and provide abortions one day each week for a $700 fee, with financial help available for some patients.

The service is vital, especially in winter when travel to Moncton or Bathurst can be a problem due to weather, Edelman said.

A 'red herring'

The Progressive Conservative government of Blaine Higgs passed legislation in December allowing for some surgeries to be performed in private clinics outside hospitals and billed to Medicare.

A private clinic in Bathurst is now doing publicly funded cataract surgeries, helping to cut down on surgical wait times in hospitals.

An older man with a furrowed brow standing in front of a New Brunswick flag and a Canada flag. Premier Blaine Higgs now allows some surgeries to be performed in private clinics outside hospitals and billed to Medicare, though not abortions. (CBC)

In 2020, Higgs said funding abortions in a private clinic would be "a slippery slope. … Does that mean that we should continue to offer more and more services in private clinics and less and less services in public institutions?"

Duclos wouldn't comment on whether the new legislation contradicts the province's refusal to fund abortions at Clinic 554.

Instead he simply noted that New Brunswick is the only province refusing to fund abortions outside hospitals.

"That raises the obvious question of accessibility to those services," he said.

"That's a question to put to the provincial government. It's also something we're very mindful of in working with the province and with community organizations to ensure that in this context women have access to that essential right."

Edelman said the legislation to allow private surgeries shows that Higgs's concerns about private clinics were "a red herring," and it's his personal views driving provincial policy.

"I'm not surprised they are expanding surgeries outside hospitals but not looking at us, at Clinic 554. I'm not surprised at all. Their interest has been always to limit abortion access, period," she said. 

Last year Duclos announced $3.5 million for two abortion-rights organizations, including Action Canada, which helps cover travel and accommodation costs for people seeking abortions. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks about health care funding during a stop at a medical training facility at a hospital, Tuesday, February 7, 2023 in Ottawa.    In 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the study of abortion access in New Brunswick, but results have been delayed. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)

In the 2019 federal election campaign, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to "ensure" the province funded abortions at private clinics such as Fredericton's Clinic 554.

Trudeau claimed in 2021 that his government had clawed back "millions" of dollars in federal health transfer payments to New Brunswick over limits on access, but the actual amount that year was $140,216.

In the lead-up to another election campaign that year, his government announced the study of abortion access in the province. 

The research project would examine gaps and barriers to the service, such as costs, transportation and discrimination and was expected to take 18 months.

Jula Hughes, a former UNB law professor, is one of the researchers on the abortion study and says it's not clear how quickly it will be published. (University of New Brunswick)

Former University of New Brunswick law professor Jula Hughes, one of the researchers on the project, said Monday that the report had been delayed, and she now expects to have it finished around June.

Hughes said it's not clear how quickly it will be published.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association is suing the province over abortion access, arguing New Brunswick is violating the Constitution and the Canada Health Act.

The province tried in 2021 to have the case thrown out, but a judge ruled the case could go ahead.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Jacques Poitras

Provincial Affairs reporter

Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. He grew up in Moncton and covered Parliament in Ottawa for the New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal. He has reported on every New Brunswick election since 1995 and won awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, the National Newspaper Awards and Amnesty International. He is also the author of five non-fiction books about New Brunswick politics and history.

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88 Comments
 
 
 
David Amos 
Methinks Duclos should mind his own business and worry about his reelection N'esy Pas?
 
 
 
David Amos
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Methinks Trudeau et al know that I will always speak in defence of the unborn whether I am running against Liberals or not N'esy Pas? 
  

Peaceful Ambiance
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Reply to David Amos
Frank McKenna in the 90s was the last time the NB Liberal Party had any true New Brunswick convictions. Now they just betray NBers and push this Torontonians ideology on us. Hard to believe they used to be the party that stood up to Morgentaller when he was thirsting after NB’s unborn.


Peaceful Ambiance
Content Deactivated  
Reply to David Amos
Abortion is legal in this country doesn’t mean that anybody has to agree with it or fund it. I personally think it’s evil and I will never vote for a politician who wants to use taxpayer money to fund it.


Doug Saunders
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Reply to David Amos
oh boy

Morneau was right...most of these MPs selected by Trudeau in the 2nd term are just incompetent.

All talk and photo ops


Lynette Browne
Reply to Peaceful Ambiance
There are alot of things people do to themselves that I am not in favour of. They oftentimes end up needing HC, but I certainly don't go on about it
 
 
 
 
 
Raymond Leger
Sad state of affairs we have here in New Brunswick  
 
 
David Amos
Raymond Leger 
Yup
 
 
 
 
 
Don Corey
Content Deactivated
 
This issue is really no business of the federal government (but apparently a private clinic is ok as long as it fits their agenda) 

Regardless, the NB government should be reconsidering their position to provide women with very limited access in the province to abortion services

And, Higgs should realize that many voters who lean toward the Conservatives are also strongly pro choice (Myself included) 


Michael Cain
Reply to Don Corey
It is the business of the feds to ensure the Health Act is adhered to.


Don Corey
Reply to Michael Cain
I'm well aware of that. It's also obvious the feds aren't sure if such is indeed the case, or they wouldn't be wasting money on another useless study (that is taking a ridiculously long time.

Brian Gallant initiated the plan to shut down Clinic 554.....he must have felt the Act was being followed. Of course, there's a difference in the way that Ottawa treats the now rare Liberal provincial governments.


Michael Cain
Reply to Don Corey
Contradicting yourself aside, the feds gave the money they held back from the province to UNB to produce the report in an effort to corroborate the need of access to the provincial government. The subject has always been a political hot potato for years. Now this government has a chance to end the issue. The sooner the government gets their nose out of the business of health care the better.


Les Cooper

Reply to Michael Cain
Hes probably Catholic


David Amos
Reply to Les Cooper
The last thing I am is a Catholic but I am married to one I am definitely Pro Life and she and my daughters are Pro Choice My son does not concern himself with the issue but he grateful for his Father's position on this topic for obvious reasons Go Figure


David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
Hmmm 
 
 
 
 

Daniel Henwell
half the comments seem to be "deactivated". The remaining ones are all in favour of more public money for abortion clinics. Seems like only one side of this debate is tolerated.


Kyle Woodman

Reply to Daniel Henwell
Maybe because those who are commenting can't do so in a cogent manner without resorting to personal attacks, mistruths and hyperbole.


Lynette Browne
Reply to Daniel Henwell
The comments "deactivated" were very much anti-abortion, religious-type comments, and not related to how HC funding should be spent.


Randy Lahey
Reply to Lynette Browne
Freedom of religion and freedom of speech are not welcome here apparently 😒


David Amos
Reply to Kyle Woodman
What am I chopped liver?


David Amos
Reply to Randy Lahey
Amen


Kyle Woodman

Reply to David Amos
David I like you so you get a pass


David Amos
Reply to Kyle Woodman
I will always speak in defence of the unborn whether I am running against Liberals or not


Lynette Browne
Reply to Daniel Henwell
Apparently, we are not even allowed to explain to you why the comments were likely removed :). I'd suggest reading the posting above you for clarification :)


stewart benson

Reply to Daniel Henwell
They were not using thier real name pretty simple.


David Amos
Reply to stewart benson
I am


Michael Cain
Reply to Daniel Henwell
There is no debate. Higgs is a hypocrite


David Amos
Reply to Michael Cain
You have to be quick to see it but there is one Hell of a debate
 
 
 
 
Kyle Woodman
If you don't want an abortion, don't get one. If you want an abortion, it should be more accessible. Stop playing politics with abortion. It's getting old.


David Amos
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Reply to Kyle Woodman
What if it was your child the government was aborting?


PersonalFundingForPersonalChoices Yes

Content Deactivated
Reply to Kyle Woodman
That’s like saying it’s a choice to smoke so the government should fund cigarettes and make them accessible.


Kyle Woodman
Reply to PersonalFundingForPersonalChoices Yes
No it's not. Not even close. Why do anti abortion people have the worst analogies.


Kyle Woodman
Reply to David Amos
The government doesn't abort babies. Women, who have the right to chose their own medical care do.


David Amos
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Reply to Kyle Woodman
Right into the 9 month?


Kyle Woodman
Reply to David Amos
Stop with the hyperbole. There are no abortions performed at 9 months in NB.


David Amos
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Reply to Kyle Woodman
Clearly you ignored my point for reasons I will never understand


David Amos
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Reply to Kyle Woodman
Stop with the hyperbole??? YEA RIGHT


David Amos

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Reply to Kyle Woodman
How do you sleep at night?


Daana Scullly
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Reply to Kyle Woodman
It’s disturbing that so many people think abortion is somehow a simple act that doesn’t warrant proper scrutiny


David Amos
Reply to Daana Scullly
Ditto


Paul Richardson
Reply to Kyle Woodman
The abortion debate will never stop not matter how "old" you say it is.  




 
 
AbortionIsAPersonalChoiceThenPayForItYourself Yep 
The differing views on abortion in NB society from Canadian society at large, as well as the saga between McKenna and Morgentaler are just a few good reasons why healthcare should remain under provincial control. 
 
 


SarahRose Werner
I thought Higgs was all in favour of moving as many procedures as possible out of hospitals and into clinics.


Kyle Woodman
Reply to,SarahRose Werner
Only procedures he deems morally acceptable.


David Amos
Content Deactivated

Reply to,SarahRose Werner
Go Figure 






Garbage Can
Content Deactivated
1. More doctors signing off on it, which we had until Gallant changed it.

2. No tax payer funding.

3. High school curriculum to teach about it

4. Travel out of province

Then and only then can it be considered a choice. Choice to get doctor approval, choice to pay for it, choice to travel for it, and making these choices once educated about it. How can anyone make a choice if they aren’t knowledgeable about the choice they’re making??

If that’s too difficult then of course there are other more civilized choices in 2023 like birth control pills, adoption etc


Rosemary Hughes
Reply to Garbage Can
Having fun changing persona every 5 minutes?


Garbage Can 
Content Deactivated 
Reply to Rosemary Hughes
Doesn’t change the validity of what I’m saying


Rosemary Hughes
Reply to Garbage Can
What you're saying has no validity.


Garbage Can
Content Deactivated
Reply to Rosemary Hughes
Okay so let it stand then. Once I’m allowed to say what I want, I’ll leave it at that.


Rosemary Hughes
Reply to Garbage Can
I'm not flagging you. I'm happy to leave it up. Demonstrates the id iocy of what you're saying.


Garbage Can
Content Deactivated
Reply to Rosemary Hughes
Thank you, I’m fine with you calling it that. Your opinion and you’re entitled to it, no matter how deprived it is.


Rosemary Hughes

Reply to Garbage Can
"Deprived"?


Garbage Can
Content Deactivated
Reply to Rosemary Hughes
Sorry I meant Depraved. And be please not I’m not being rude, I truly think abortion and advocating for it is depraved. I’m fine with you calling my views idiotic so fairs fair.


Rosemary Hughes
Reply to Garbage Can
You can think whatever you please. You cannot impose those "thoughts" on others by attempting to legislate them.


David Amos
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Reply to Garbage Can
Me Too but you should do your protest with a real name as per the rules


Garbage Can
Content Deactivated
Reply to David Amos
Nope, I have many many reasons why I don’t. For one, we don’t live in a free society, we live in one where someone who expressed views that were the norm just 10 years ago are now having those views brought up for public scrutiny, jobs etc in 2023. You obviously disagree, but please stop telling me that I have to follow and respect the rules.you do, fine, I don’t I won’t.


David Amos
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Reply to Garbage Can
You are very wrong about me but if you do not have a name you are nobody


Garbage Can
Content Deactivated
Reply to David Amos
All I said is that you follow and respect the rules. Isn’t that what you are complaining about?

We do not live in a free country and being a loud nobody is preferable to being silent nobody.


David Amos
Content Deactivated
Reply to Garbage Can
How many times have you been falsely imprisoned after running for public office and speaking your mind?

 
 
 
PersonalChoicesShouldBePersonallyFunded Uh Uh huh
Abortion should not be the easy option. It would be like the government providing M A I D instead of mental healthcare… oh wait never mind!  
 
 
 
 
 
PersonalChoicesShouldBePersonallyFunded Uh Uh huh
If women want the choice of keeping the baby or not maybe we can at least give men the same choice about child support.


Lynette Browne
Reply to
PersonalChoicesShouldBePersonallyFunded Uh Uh huh 
Ha Ha! That is the funniest post so far!! Ha Ha!!
 

David Amos
Reply to Lynette Browne
I concur 





Carl Douglas
I'm surprised the comments are active on this hot topic issue. I don't think it should be an easy thing to do personally. 


Lynette Browne 
Reply to Carl Douglas
It is the choice a woman gets to make in this country.  





 
Vernon McPhee
So I guess Justin and the Liberal party are in favour of privatized health care if it's to their advantage politically.


David Amos

Reply to Vernon McPhee
Well put
 
 
 

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