The State of Reproductive Health in Canada

Reproductive health is generally regarded as a more holistic state of physical, mental and social well-being in matters relating to the reproductive system and its function and process, and not merely an absence of disease or infirmity. Which is to say that it encompasses a broad spectrum of health care services, including: family planning (contraception, abortion), sexual health, and maternal health.

Despite Canada’s universal healthcare model, access to comprehensive, equitable reproductive care remains fragmented — especially for underserved populations.

Contraception Access: A Fragmented Landscape

As of 2025, contraceptive coverage continues to vary widely across all provinces and territories, despite the recently introduced – but not yet fully implemented – federal Pharmacare Act.

British Columbia’s provincial healthcare program has provided free prescription contraceptives since April 2023—a major step forward for equitable reproductive care. Manitoba has announced a similar plan, but its rollout is still in its early stages. Ontario offers limited coverage for contraceptives, available only to those under 25 without private insurance. Meanwhile, Quebec’s public drug plan includes coverage for contraceptives, but requires co-pays, making access dependent on one’s income.

This is but one example of the fragmentation that surrounds reproductive healthcare in Canada.

Abortion in Canada: Legality vs. Accessibility

Canada is one of the few countries in the world with no legal restrictions on abortion—it is legal at all stages of pregnancy. Abortion is publicly funded as part of provincial and territorial health systems under the framework of the Canada Health Act.

Historical Context: From Restriction to Legal Freedom

Abortion was first partially legalized in 1969 through the Criminal Law Amendment Act, which permitted therapeutic abortions under specific, tightly controlled circumstances. Patients needed approval from a Therapeutic Abortion Committee—a panel consisting of at least three doctors—who determined that the pregnancy posed a risk to the woman’s life or health. In practice, access varied significantly across hospitals and regions.

In 1988, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down the abortion law in the landmark case R. v. Morgentaler, ruling that it violated Section 7 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which protects the right to “life, liberty, and security of the person.” Since then, Canada has had no federal criminal law regulating abortion, and the choice to have an abortion is privately made between a patient and their healthcare provider; making Canada one of the most permissive countries globally in terms of abortion access.

However, legality does not guarantee accessibility. Similar to no-cost contraception, availability of abortion services varies significantly by province and territory, resulting in inequity. While the Canada Health Act guarantees portability of healthcare coverage—intended to allow Canadians to receive insured services outside their home province—abortion is frequently excluded from provincial reciprocal billing agreements, especially when provided in non-hospital settings. This creates significant barriers for individuals trying to access abortion services outside their home province, such as out-of-province students, or for those who have recently moved and are in the mandatory waiting period, not to exceed three months, for provincial health insurance.

Abortion is a time-sensitive procedure, and should not be expected to wait for insurance to activate. Delays can push individuals further into pregnancy, in which care becomes more complex, limited, and costly. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), timely access to abortion is critical for protecting the physical, mental, and socioeconomic well-being of patients. While abortion remains extremely safe — particularly in the first trimester — later procedures, though still safe, may require more specialized care and come with increased logistical and medical risks. Barriers such as provider shortages, long travel distances, and referral delays further compound these challenges.

Our legal name is Dr. Ainsley Moore Foundation, and our Charitable Registration Number is 71513 5406 RR0001.

Please use this name and number when preparing any donations — including any will or other legacy gift documentation.

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Notre nom légal est Dr. Ainsley Moore Foundation, et notre numéro d’enregistrement d’organisme de bienfaisance est 71513 5406 RR0001.
Veuillez utiliser ce nom et ce numéro lors de la préparation de tout don — y compris dans un testament ou tout autre document de don planifié.

The State of Reproductive Health in Canada

Contraception Access: A Fragmented Landscape

Abortion in Canada: Legality vs. Accessibility

Historical Context: From Restriction to Legal Freedom

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