Shomporko Online News Desk: The federal health minister announced today that $366,000 will be allocated to research into the difficulties women in New Brunswick encounter in obtaining abortions.
Patty Hajdu made the announcement in Fredericton, claiming that the study, which will be led by the University of New Brunswick, will offer statistics for campaigners to demonstrate the need for abortions at Clinic 554 in the provincial capital.
She says Ottawa would be outside of its jurisdiction if it directly increased funding for abortions at clinics, though she says the clinics and other abortion providers can apply for funding to help women with travel and other assistance to reach clinics.
New Brunswick law bans government funding for abortions conducted outside three approved hospitals — two in Moncton and one in Bathurst — and the province has refused to fund Clinic 554.
Blaine Higgs’ Progressive Conservative administration has accused Ottawa of wanting to make abortion access a federal election issue, and Higgs has stated that the Horizon Health Network, which includes Fredericton, does not believe it is necessary to expand abortion services in the province.
Organizations like the Fredericton clinic, according to Hajdu, can apply for a share of Ottawa’s recent $45 million budget promise for training materials, public awareness campaigns, and travel and logistical help for persons who would otherwise be unable to receive abortion services.
Source_ The Canadian Press
