PEI takes first step, but more is needed

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
CONTACT:
Alissa Manzoeillo
202.667.5881, ext 219; 202.595.4395 (after hours/cell)
amanzoeillo@prochoice.org

Statement of Dawn Fowler, Canadian Director, National Abortion Federation:

Today, the Government of Prince Edward Island announced a new arrangement, which will enable Island women to access abortion care in Moncton and have the procedure covered by PEI Medicare.

We applaud this as a first step toward improving abortion access, but urge the provincial government to also begin providing abortion care on the Island.

We have identified doctors who are willing to provide abortion care in PEI, and last year we worked with the Department of Health to develop a business proposal that demonstrates that the province would actually save on expenses by providing abortion care locally.

Women in PEI deserve the same care and respect as women in other provinces when it comes to their ability to access the abortion care they need.

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NAF is the professional association of abortion providers. Our members include private and non-profit clinics, Planned Parenthood affiliates, women’s health centers, physicians’ offices, and hospitals who together care for more than half the women who choose abortion in the U.S. and Canada each year. Our members also include public hospitals and both public and private clinics in Mexico City and private clinics in Colombia.