MPP Stevens brings the voices of hundreds to Queen’s Park advocating for universal contraception

QUEEN’S PARK – MPP Jennie Stevens (St. Catharines), is bringing the voices of hundreds of people to Queen’s Park as her motion for publicly funded, universal contraception goes to debate.

“I put out a call for people to share their story about how universal contraception would impact them, and my office was overwhelmed with replies,” said Stevens. “It’s been incredibly meaningful to read these stories and it’s making me even more inspired to make this a reality.”

MPP Stevens tabled this motion for International Women’s Day in 2023. Today at Queen’s Park, she will be reading the testimony of hundreds of people who wrote to the Ontario NDP in support of this motion.

“One young person who wrote to me is having to choose between contraception and rent,” said Stevens. “Another had an unintended pregnancy that forced her to resign her job, because childcare is just so unaffordable right now. That’s heartbreaking to read.

Passing this motion is about gender equity, empowerment, and affordability. It’s something we can do today. And we’re going to make it happen.”

The Ontario NDP’s plan is cost-effective and would have projected savings of over $76.9 million a year to the health system, as preventative costs are far cheaper than unintended surgical costs.

MPP Stevens’ motion will be debated at 6 p.m. on November 29.

QUOTES

“I express my strong support for the provision of free contraception and emphasize its critical importance for victims of gender-based violence. Ensuring access to contraception is not only a matter of reproductive rights but also a crucial aspect of addressing the complex challenges faced by survivors of gender-based violence.”
-Nicole Regehr, Executive Director of Gillians Places

“On behalf of the Niagara Regional Native Centre we support the motion for open and universal contraceptives. There is much need to have access to contraceptives especially for victims of domestic and gender violence. I have worked with victims of domestic and gender specific violence, where most of the time pregnancy is a result. I encourage legislation to support Universal Contraceptives for women and gender diverse individuals because it is our responsibility as leaders to continuously advocate on behalf of our communities and our responsibility to continuously improve the wellbeing of our communities.”
-Jessica Riel-Johns, Co-Executive Director of Niagara Regional Native Centre and Abby House

“Quest Community Health Centre supports removing the cost barriers to contraception for both equitable access and the provision of choice on contraceptive methods that work best for each individual. This initiative aligns well with the Community Health Centre’s focus on removing barriers to care and addressing the social determinants of health. This is simply a part of reproductive health and human rights.”
-Quest Community Health Centre

A unique opportunity stands before the Government of Ontario today to act collectively as elected officials to improve the lives of women, girls, and gender diverse people in Ontario. A bill that will give access to women, girls, and gender diverse people access to free contraception is a step toward ensuring reproductive rights and self determination.”
-YWCA Coalition of Ontario and YWCA Niagara