Your Role in the Fight for Reproductive Justice

by Carolyn Kavanagh

After the 2024 United States election results, web searches for “Abortion rights in Canada” and “Does Canada have abortion rights?” increased by more than 5,000 per cent apiece. 

Abortion is one of the most commonly performed medical procedures in the country as an estimated 1 in 3 Canadian women will have an abortion in their lifetime. (This study highlights the experience of women – it is important to note that all genders have abortions). The lack of comprehensive sex education, stigma, and the long-held idea that abortion is a “done deal” in Canada have all contributed to a population that is unaware of the barriers and policies that affect access to this important procedure.

Learning About Abortion Access Pushed Me Into Activism

While in university, I chose to write a paper on abortion access in Canada. As I began my research, I was shocked by the number of restrictive policies that still exist, and by the ongoing efforts from Conservative MPs to limit access to abortion services. I felt ignorant—how had I not known this? But I also realized I wasn’t alone; many Canadians remain unaware of these realities.

Throughout my assignment I kept circling back to the same organization, Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC). Their website offered a wide range of resources including a detailed list of abortion clinics across the country, recent political wins, the ongoing threats to reproductive rights, and ways to take action. 

I followed ARCC on Instagram and saw a post about a workshop called “Demystifying Abortion Doula Support.” I signed up. During a breakout session, I connected with someone from Abortion Care Canada. I was keen to get more involved and I asked what steps I could take. I received some wonderful advice – follow what interests you as there is no one path. The actionable step they did suggest was to pay the membership fees to organizations you believe in. These contributions, often offered on a sliding scale, help sustain the movement and can lead to deeper engagement. I left the meeting and did just that. 

Wondering where to begin with reproductive justice? Your next steps are outlined below. 

What is Reproductive Justice? 

Reproductive Justice was coined by Women of African Descent for Reproductive Justice in the 1990’s. Sister Song defines reproductive justice as “the human right to maintain personal bodily autonomy, have children, not have children, and parent the children we have in safe and sustainable communities”. Reproductive Justice is an approach that goes beyond the pro-choice rhetoric by implementing social justice and highlighting the intersections between Indigenous, BIPOC, 2S/LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, people in poverty and the many connections and differences that each community faces to access reproductive health care and reproductive freedom. 

Reproductive Justice in a Canadian Context

Access to abortion rights is still an issue in Canada and many barriers exist to those receiving care. To engage in reproductive justice, we must first be aware of the current gaps. Below are some resources to learn more about what’s happening in your community. 

The Aborsh podcast by Rachel Cairns does an incredible job outlining the nuances of abortion and the different barriers that exist. Rachel, the narrator, shares her personal experience of obtaining an abortion and talks to different experts along the way. The second season continues to explore many issues and perspectives related to reproductive justice. 

A second podcast, Let’s Talk Abortion by missINFORMED, is a series “dedicated to dissecting the multifaceted issues surrounding abortion in Canada.” With 20-minute episodes, the podcast is an easy to digest explanation of how healthcare and legal systems influence access to care. 

The Fireweed Project is a national Indigenous led project that aims to strengthen, advance knowledge around, and remove barriers to abortion services for Indigenous Women, Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ people in Canada. 

There are many great organizations working hard to improve reproductive rights. Groups with national reach include: Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada, Abortion Care Canada, Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights and Women’s Legal Education & Action Fund. These organizations offer a wide range of resources including articles, workshops, fact sheets, helplines, monetary support, toolkits and more. 

Reproductive Justice and Trans Rights are Deeply Connected

Far right rhetoric and Christian nationalism has gained popularity in the United States and politicians in Canada are taking note of which issues bring voters to the polls. Pierre Poilievre has been quoted multiple times affirming an anti-trans stance along with policies that violate the human rights and safety of queer, trans, non-binary, intersex and 2-Spirit people. 

Trans rights and abortion rights are deeply connected—both are targeted by efforts to police gender, sexuality, and bodily autonomy. The fight for reproductive justice is inseparable from queer liberation. Now is the time to take a stand and take action to protect our fundamental rights.

How to Take Action

• Amplify: Follow organizations on social media, share their work, order merchandise, and show your support.
• Find Local Organizations and Groups: Stay up to date on local issues and ways you can get involved, attend workshops, start creating a community around reproductive justice.
• Volunteer Your Time: Get involved during special events, offer up your skills. Don’t see an option to volunteer? Reach out to an organization and offer your help. 
• Donate or Become a Member: Many organizations have membership options on a sliding scale. If you can afford it, support organizations fighting for reproductive justice through memberships or one-time donations.
• Vote For Reproductive Freedom: The federal election is days away, politics largely influences access to health care services, especially for reproductive healthcare. Use ARCC’s 2025 Election Toolkit to inform yourself of current threats to abortion access as well as candidates’ stances on reproductive rights.