‘Understanding for a Change project’ findings released January 28
On Tuesday, January 28, UPEI's Dr. Colleen MacQuarrie and her research team at the University will present new research findings on abortion access for PEI women. The presentation will take place on Tuesday, January 28 in Don and Marion McDougall Hall, Room 242 from 6:30-8:00 pm. The focus of the presentation will be on understanding the impacts of PEI's abortion policies on women's lives.
'We have some chilling new data and some ground-breaking research to report from our two-year inquiry into the impacts of PEI's abortion policies,' said MacQuarrie. 'The effects we have found on women's health, including some recently uncovered provincial statistics regarding illegal abortions in PEI, are eye-opening.'
The release is timed to coincide with the anniversary of the 1988 Supreme Court of Canada's Morgentaler decision that struck down abortion laws as contravening women's human rights. The evening will include a series of presentations from members of the research team to highlight issues of concern to Islanders. What happens on an Island when you create the conditions of blocking access to safe abortions? How does abortion stigma impact womens' lives? What happens to Island women when their attempts to self induce go awry? What do women have to say about their post-abortion experiences? These questions and more will be addressed during the presentation.
Additionally, the presenters will share recommendations for change that come from women reflecting on their post-abortion experiences. Members of the public are encouraged to attend to gain a better understanding of women's experiences when accessing abortion.
'Our research reveals a solid direction for women's health to better align PEI with the principles of the Canada Health Act and the recommendations from both the United Nations and the World Health Organization on access to safe abortion,' added MacQuarrie.
Jane Ledwell, Executive Director of the Advisory Council on the Status of Women, will moderate the event.
For more information, please contact Dr. Colleen MacQuarrie at (902) 566-0617 or cmacquarrie@upei.ca
