One year following the removal of the final legal restriction on access to surgical abortions by the New Brunswick government, there has been minimal change in the availability of the service. Despite the regulatory change on November 7, 2024, only three hospitals in two cities continue to offer surgical abortions, with no standalone clinics outside hospitals seizing the opportunity to provide the service.
Health Minister John Dornan noted that physicians who were initially willing to offer surgical abortions in their practices in communities appear to have diminished interest in doing so now. He emphasized that the decision lies with individual practitioners, stating that they have not expressed a proactive interest in initiating the service. However, Dornan assured that support is ready if doctors decide to offer surgical abortions in their clinics.
Martha Paynter, a member of the New Brunswick Abortion Care Network and a reproductive health researcher, expressed that the lack of immediate establishment of new clinics was expected. She highlighted a declining demand for procedural abortions annually and the substantial resources needed to set up freestanding clinics as factors contributing to the current situation.
Last year, Premier Susan Holt repealed a provincial regulation that restricted Medicare funding for surgical abortions to hospitals, effectively concluding a prolonged political dispute centered around Clinic 554 in downtown Fredericton. Despite the policy change, Holt emphasized that the accessibility of surgical abortions would not immediately improve.
Both Dornan and Paynter attributed the reluctance of doctors to include surgical abortions in their practices to the increasing preference for medication abortions. The province supports Mifegymiso, a non-invasive pregnancy termination method that has seen a rising trend in prescriptions over the years.
While the focus on physical facility access remains, Paynter highlighted the evolving landscape, citing a primary care clinic in downtown Fredericton where Mifegymiso prescriptions are readily available both in-person and virtually. However, challenges persist regarding access after the ninth week of pregnancy, necessitating travel to the limited hospitals offering surgical abortions.
Concerns also linger regarding the lack of data on patient travel for abortions, potential delays, and the need for precise information to assess improvements accurately. Addressing these issues, Dornan announced the imminent launch of a toll-free phone line to provide patients with essential information and support in navigating the system.
Furthermore, Dornan reaffirmed the commitment to universal contraception coverage as outlined in the 2024 Liberal throne speech, irrespective of a pharmacare agreement with the federal government. He encouraged advocacy groups to collaborate with the department and healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive support for patients seeking abortion services.
