Southern Alberta Pro-Choice group receives $600k grant

By Cal Braid
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

  On July 22, the Pro-Choice Society of Lethbridge and Southern Alberta received a $600,000 grant from the Government of Canada’s Women and Gender Equity fund to support and expand access to reproductive health care in communities throughout Alberta. The pro-choice vs. pro-life debate has been omnipresent for decades and has never quite found a common ground where the two sides can co-exist. As a non-negotiable ethical issue, the announcement will surely be balked at by some.

  “We hear from people in communities across the province that are unsure of how to navigate the healthcare system or unable to access reproductive health care without an informed family doctor,” said Chantal Parkinson, Pro-Choice YQL Board Chair. “We know that for many people in Alberta, Pro-Choice YQL has been a necessary resource in accessing the health care they need. This grant will enable us to provide that help to communities beyond southern Alberta.”

  The Pro-Choice YQL news release said that previous funding from Women and Gender Equity Canada has allowed the organization to successfully expand the “access to sexual and reproductive health care in southern Alberta by training medical providers to support reproductive and abortion health care needs.” PC YQL works to raise the awareness and accessibility of reproductive and abortion health care by providing direct referrals for patients to health care providers.

  The new funding will support the work of improving access and knowledge in rural communities, as well as building connections with patients throughout Alberta to health care resources hubs, the release said.

  “No one should be left to feel they cannot access necessary and life saving health care,” commented Parkinson. “Through training, education and awareness – we can all ensure everyone has a choice and everyone is able to access the reproductive health care they need.”