The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is calling on the New Brunswick government to repeal a regulation limiting access to abortions in the province. .The CCLA — a non-profit national human rights organization — defended the rights and freedoms of Canadians since 1964..In a letter to NB Premier Blaine Higgs, the CCLA urged him to do away with what they called an "illegal barrier" to abortion care in the province. CCLA called the regulation "egregious" and said the "unconstitutional barrier ... limits access to necessary healthcare." ."In the case of New Brunswick, this means repealing Schedule 2(a.1) of Regulation 84-20 (the “Regulation”) passed pursuant to the Medical Services Payment Act," reads the letter.."In addition, in the meantime the government should provide coverage on an interim basis, as has been done with telemedicine during the pandemic, by waiving the application of the regulation. As you know, under this regulation, only surgical abortions provided in one of only three hospitals in the province are covered by the provincial health insurance plan.".The CCLA pointed to the recent US Supreme Court overturn of Roe v. Wade on June 24 calling it "devastating" and said limiting access to abortion services will be "precarious and dangerous" for those in states where laws limit or ban abortion. .READ MORE: UPDATED: US Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade."It is more vital than ever the Canadian government demonstrate [its] commitment to ensuring safe and accessible reproductive care," said the CCLA.."As your government looks to take action to improve the system, it is incumbent on you to take all measures necessary to improve access to care, alleviate the pressure on hospitals, and act consistently with constitutional rights ... to help improve access to care and relieve pressure on overstretched hospitals, the regulation to be immediately repealed."
