WOMEN’S HEALTH COMMITTEE
of the Edmonton Zone Medical Staff Association, Calgary and Area Medical Staff Society, North Zone Medical Staff Association, Central Zone Medical Staff Association and South Zone Medical Staff Association
Updated January 24, 2024
GOVERNMENT OF ALBERTA ADVOCACY PRIORITIES
Menopause
Women lack access to healthcare, education and support for perimenopause, menopause and post menopause in Alberta. This represents 24% of the total Albertan population.
View the briefing note with recommendations, background and rationale here.
Period Poverty
Many people face barriers to accessing menstrual products or educational materials because of financial limitations and/or harmful social norms and attitudes surrounding menstruation. Period poverty refers to the inadequate access to menstrual hygiene tools and education, including access to sanitary products, proper facilities for washing and waste management.
View the briefing note with recommendations, background and rationale here.
South Zone Access to Obstetricians/Gynaecologists
Women in rural and urban southern Alberta have inadequate and unequal access to basic healthcare because of a severe shortage of obstetricians/gynaecologists and family physicians. The current model of women’s healthcare in southern Alberta, specifically physician ownership of clinics, is vulnerable and not sustainable. This model has led to a lack of women’s health clinics in the southern Alberta community and barriers in establishing collaborative and efficient models of care.
View the briefing note with recommendations, background and rationale here.
Women’s Health Recognition, Accountability and Comprehensive Strategy
Women have health issues that are different from men, including pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause and some health issues that affect both men and women disproportionately affect women. These different needs require recognition, accountability and a comprehensive strategy and operational plan by the Ministry of Health and Alberta Health Services to improve Alberta women’s health and safety throughout their lives.
View the briefing note with recommendations, background and rationale here.
Incarcerated Women
Incarcerated women in Alberta are not provided:
STIs screening and pregnancy tests upon intake, despite being a high-risk group.
an Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) number when they are released from correctional centres.
View the briefing note with recommendations, background and rationale here.
Confidential Medical Management of Miscarriage and Abortion
Patients dispensed medication for medical management of a miscarriage and medical abortion face an increased risk of domestic violence and marginalization within their communities.
View the briefing note with recommendations, background and rationale here.
Free Hormonal Therapy and IUDs
The cost of hormonal therapy and intrauterine devices (IUDs) is a barrier for Albertan women to receive medically necessary care.
View the briefing note with recommendations, background and rationale here.