Legal but Not Accessible: 5 Barriers to Abortion in Canada
Abortion has been legal in Canada since January 28, 1988, when the Supreme Court ruled that restricting access violated the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. While this was a monumental step toward bodily autonomy, legality doesn’t always translate into accessibility. For many, systemic and social barriers still make abortion difficult to obtain.
Let’s examine the challenges that persist and why true reproductive liberation requires more than just legality.
1. Geographic Disparities: Where You Live Shouldn’t Determine Your Choices
Where someone lives shouldn’t dictate their ability to make choices about their reproductive health, yet access to abortion services in Canada is unequal. While urban centers often have clinics and hospitals providing these services, rural and remote communities face significant challenges.
For many, accessing care means travelling long distances—sometimes hours or even days. This travel comes with added costs, including time off work, childcare arrangements, and transportation expenses, creating significant barriers.
Research highlights this disparity: 73.5% of women reported travelling an hour or more to access a clinic. The farther the distance, the less likely someone is to obtain the care they need, particularly those who are younger or facing financial hardships.
2. Financial Barriers: Hidden Costs of "Free" Healthcare
While abortion procedures are covered under provincial healthcare in Canada, the additional costs of accessing care can be a significant barrier. Travel expenses, accommodation, childcare, and lost wages can quickly add up, particularly for those who need to travel long distances. Someone travelling from Lethbridge to Calgary for abortion care - a two hour drive - can expect to pay $750 for fuel, accommodations, food, and travel supplies.
Some provinces further exacerbate these challenges by covering only surgical abortions, leaving individuals to pay out of pocket for medical abortion pills like Mifegymiso if they lack private insurance coverage. In Alberta, the 1st dose of Mifegymiso is free, while a 2nd dose is not.
3. Limited Providers: A Workforce Gap
Canada is grappling with a shortage of healthcare professionals trained and willing to provide abortion services, a challenge that is especially pronounced in smaller and rural communities. This shortage stems from several interconnected issues, including stigma, insufficient training in medical schools, and burnout among existing providers.
One key factor is the lack of comprehensive training in abortion techniques during medical residencies. Obstetrics and gynecology programs in Canada do not consistently mandate this training, leaving many new doctors unprepared to offer this critical service. Additionally, with an aging population of abortion providers, the number of practitioners able to meet the demand for care continues to dwindle.
The effects of this shortage are evident. A survey by the Canadian Abortion Rights Action League revealed that only 17.8% of public sector hospitals in Canada provided abortion services in 2003, a decline from 20.1% in 1977. This reduced access highlights the urgent need to address gaps in training and support for healthcare professionals willing to offer abortion care.
4. Stigma and Misinformation: Emotional and Psychological Barriers
Stigma surrounding abortion continues to be a significant barrier for individuals seeking care in Canada. Fear of judgment or discrimination often deters people from accessing services, while anti-choice rhetoric and misinformation further compound confusion about abortion's legality, safety, and availability.
Alarmingly, some healthcare professionals and hospital employees contribute to these challenges by withholding critical information or referrals. In some cases, individuals seeking abortion care are redirected to anti-abortion agencies, which can delay or obstruct access to timely and accurate support.
Addressing these barriers requires combating stigma, ensuring accurate information is readily available, and expanding access to services across the country.
5. Intersectional Inequities: Barriers for Marginalized Communities
Marginalized groups in Canada—such as Indigenous people, immigrants, refugees, people of colour, and 2SLGBTQ+ individuals—face unique and compounded challenges when accessing abortion services. These barriers are rooted in systemic racism, language difficulties, a lack of culturally competent care, and distrust of the healthcare system.
Young people, particularly those under 30, are disproportionately represented in these groups. Individuals in these demographics are more likely to encounter obstacles related to the logistics of accessing care. These difficulties often include the length of the journey, financial costs, the mode of transportation, and even the physical discomfort associated with travel.
Addressing these barriers requires systemic changes to ensure equitable access to abortion care. This includes providing culturally competent healthcare, reducing logistical challenges, and building trust between marginalized communities and the healthcare system.
Why This Matters: Legality Is Just the First Step
Abortion being legal is critical, but true reproductive liberation demands that it also be accessible, affordable, and stigma-free. Barriers to abortion harm individuals and communities, forcing people to carry pregnancies they don’t want or can’t support.
What Can You Do?
Advocate for expanded services in underserved areas by asking your doctor or pharmacy if they prescribe mifegymiso.
Support organizations like Pro-Choice YQL working to reduce financial and logistical barriers on social media.
Normalize conversations about abortion to combat stigma and misinformation.\
Donate to funds that assist with travel and other costs for those seeking abortion.
As we work toward liberation, let’s remember that access to abortion is a human right. Everyone deserves the freedom to make decisions about their body, without barriers standing in their way.
What does accessible abortion care mean to you? Share your thoughts with us!
