Statement from Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee on International Safe Abortion Day

Minister of Health and Social Services Tracy-Anne McPhee has issued the following statement:

“September 28 marked International Safe Abortion Day, a global day of advocacy and action to demand access to safe and legal abortions for women, girls and gender-diverse individuals everywhere.

“This important day originated in the 1990s in Latin America and the Caribbean where women’s groups mobilized to demand that their governments decriminalize abortion, provide access to safe and affordable abortion services and end stigma and discrimination towards women who choose to have an abortion.

“Access to health care, including sexual and reproductive health, is a basic human right. The ability to decide if and when to have children, and access to safe, timely, affordable, respectful and person-centred abortion care, including information and post-abortion care, helps to ensure the health and wellbeing of girls, women, gender-diverse individuals and their families and communities.

“Our government is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of Yukoners who are making decisions over their sexual and reproductive health. Yukoners looking for information on abortion care in the territory can visit bettertoknow-yukon.ca for information on where to receive care.

“We also want to take this opportunity to honour the healthcare workers committed to delivering quality reproductive healthcare. Thank you for the work you do each day not just here in the Yukon and Canada but around the world.

“Together, we can create a more just and equitable society that ensures the sexual and reproductive health and rights of everyone across the globe. International Safe Abortion Day reminds us to envision a future where everyone has control over their reproductive rights and their future.”