In 1994, Dr. Garson Romalis was the subject of a first shooting attempt in his home. Six years later, he was stabbed behind the building where he practiced in Vancouver. In both cases, his medical interventions were considered the main reason for the attacks.
Despite the 20 years that have passed since this last major incident involving a worker in the field, many still fear for their livelihood, if not their life, says the executive director of Options for Sexual Health, Michelle Fort.
His organization refuses to publish its list of doctors and clinics that perform abortions for safety reasons, especially in the north and interior of the province, where opposition to abortion is stronger.
It’s a shame that in 2022 someone who provides a health service to half the population that can get pregnant has to worry about their safety.
she points out.
hide to serve
In communities like Smithers and West Kelowna, for example, billboards display anti-abortion campaign information.
Faced with this kind of publicity, those who offer this medical service prefer to keep it quiet, explains Michelle Fortin.
However, this discretion can turn out to be a double-edged sword, since while ensuring the safety of doctors and their patients, it sometimes gives the impression that abortion is less easily accessible in these regions than it is. actually is, she notes.
Options for Sexual Health’s list includes approximately 50 medical service providers in 35 communities across the province, many of which are rural and northern. Most of them, however, refuse to have their names published online, specifies Ms. Fortin.
Women who need their services must contact an intermediary, such as Options for Sexual Health, who triages calls and handles the first contact with the doctor’s office.
Many of them then use separate confidential phone lines and email addresses to communicate with the patient until they are sure that everyone is safe.
In reality, [ces fournisseurs de services médicaux] acknowledge that there is still a risk of stigma attached [à l’avortement] and they worry about how the patient and sometimes her family will be treated
deplores Michelle Fortin.
Open up to overcome stigma
From Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, Libby Schofield believes that it is necessary to have frank discussions about abortion in order to overcome the stigma that Michelle Fortin is talking about.
According to Libby Schofield, people who tell their stories enable organizations like Action Canada and Options for Sexual Health to better serve women who need abortions.
Holding discussion groups and educational campaigns is also important to show the range of choices available to women in matters of sexual health, including the abortion pill offered by mail.
Michelle Fortin also emphasizes the importance of supporting patients, doctors and other stakeholders so that they can do what it takes to feel safe.
So if they have to remain more discreet for the moment, we will support them. During this time, we will continue to speak loudly and proudly about access to all sexual health care, including abortion.
Reference-ici.radio-canada.ca