SRHR
-
TDOR: Government should pull anti-trans legislation
EDMONTON — Every year, November 20 is the Transgender Day of Remembrance. It is a day to mourn, remember and honour those who have lost their lives due to transphobia and anti-transgender violence.
Written by Alyssa Pretty
November 20, 2024 -
New Barriers to Gender-Affirming Health Care Should Concern All Albertans
EDMONTON — Yesterday, Premier Danielle Smith’s government tabled new legislation that includes major new restrictions on access to gender-affirming health care. If passed, this legislation will infringe on the rights of transgender, non-binary, Two-Spirit and gender diverse Albertans to access the health care services they need, when they need them.
Written by Alyssa Pretty
November 01, 2024 -
World Contraception Day: Let’s Get Pharmacare Done!
EDMONTON — Every year, September 26th marks World Contraception Day, raising awareness about the importance of contraception and reproductive health care. As we recognize the day this year, Bill 6-64:An Act Representing Pharmacare, is being studied by a Senate committee, and still waiting to be passed into law. Bill C-64 would ensure universal coverage of diabetes and contraceptive medications.
Written by Alyssa Pretty
September 26, 2024 -
New Barriers to Gender-Affirming Health Care are Discriminatory and Dangerous
EDMONTON — Yesterday, Premier Danielle Smith announced a widely condemned new policy that includes putting new restrictions on gender-affirming health care. The new policy infringes on the rights of young Albertans and their families to access the health care services they need, when they need them.
Written by Alyssa Pretty
February 01, 2024 -
Albertans are Right to be Concerned About Access to Abortion and Reproductive Health Services
Recent responses from Alberta politicians make it clear Alberta isn’t immune from the politics that seek to roll back the right to choose.
The recent decision by the United States Supreme Court to overturn Roe vs Wade has put a spotlight on the right to choose and access abortion services here in Canada, leading many Albertans to worry.
“While the US Supreme Court decision doesn’t directly change any laws here, Albertans are right to be concerned,” said Chris Gallaway, executive director of Friends of Medicare. “The comments many Alberta politicians have been making since this court decision make it clear that there is a coordinated political movement seeking to roll back the right to choose here.”
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
August 19, 2022 -
Ending Discriminatory Blood Ban Good News for Canada’s Public Blood Supply
April 28, 2022
EDMONTONEnding Discriminatory Blood Ban Good News for Canada’s Public Blood Supply
This morning, Health Canada approved Canadian Blood Services’ request to end the 3-month deferral period for men who have sex with men, effectively lifting the ban on their ability to donate blood and plasma.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
April 28, 2022 -
FOM Statement on IWD 2022
Alberta still has a long way to go to achieve gender equality
Gender remains an important social determinant of health—We know that gender-based discrimination and ongoing gender inequality in our society results in increased health risks and poorer outcomes. Far too many Albertans still do not have proper access to reproductive and sexual health care, or gender-affirming health care.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
March 08, 2022 -
World Health Day holds extra significance today as the world deals with a global health emergency
EDMONTON — According to the World Health Organization, World Health Day emerged from the First Health Assembly, held in 1948. The day is celebrated annually on April 7 to raise global awareness on specific themes related to health in order to highlight an area of importance for the World Health Organization. This year, World Health Day honors the contribution of nurses and midwives, and the critical role they play in our global health care systems.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
April 07, 2020 -
FOM's response to the AHS review
With the release of the much-awaited performance review of Alberta Health Services (AHS), Albertans will have to wait until May 2020 to fully understand the real life consequences that the recommendations will have on Albertans.
Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
February 03, 2020 -
Bill 207 puts personal beliefs of health care providers ahead of professional obligations to patients
November 16, 2019
EDMONTONBill 207 puts personal beliefs of health care providers ahead of professional obligations to patients
Bill 207: Conscience Rights (Health Care Providers) Protection Act was introduced by Peace River MLA Dan Williams on November 7. After passing first reading, Bill 207 was referred to the Standing Committee on Private Bills and Private Members Public Bills. On November 18th, this committee — comprised of 4 NDP and 7 UCP MLAs —will meet to determine if this bill has the merits to proceed for fulsome debate in the legislature.This bill is a veiled attack on access to legal health care services such as abortion, gender affirming care, and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). If passed, Bill 207 will create major delays and barriers to people accessing medically necessary services in a province where access is already very difficult.Written by Fom Friends of Medicare
November 16, 2019