Have you been refused reproductive care?

Seeking individuals for a study about refusal or denial of contraception or abortion services in New Brunswick, Ontario, and Alberta

We invite you to participate in a study about exploring the experiences of women, transgender men, and non-binary people with belief-based denial of contraception and abortion care in Canada. This refers to the refusal by a healthcare professional, based on their personal or religious beliefs, to provide a legal, patient-requested medical service or treatment that falls within their scope of work and qualifications. Belief-based care denial has often been referred to as “conscientious objection”.

The Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada is partnering with the University of Ottawa on this important study. Dr. Anvita Dixit, a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the university, is the principal investigator, and is being supported by senior co-investigator, Dr. Angel Foster, Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences. 

You are eligible to participate if:

• You have experienced refusal or denial of contraception or abortion services in the past 10 years (on/after January 1, 2012) in New Brunswick, Ontario, or Alberta.
• You are sufficiently fluent in English to complete an interview.
• You have access to a safe space to have a discussion.

Interviews will be conducted over the telephone, Skype, or Zoom. Interviews will be 90 minutes in duration and will be audio-recorded, with your permission. Participation is strictly confidential – your name and any personal information will not be included, and any identifying information will be redacted or masked in any presentation, publication, or report that results from this study. Participation is completely voluntary – there will be no consequences or penalties if you choose not to participate or withdraw from the study at any time. As a gesture of gratitude for your participation, we offer you a CAD40 gift certificate to Amazon.ca. Participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you are interested, or would like to know more about the study, please contact Dr. Dixit at ws-stu01@uottawa.ca.