Beginning Saturday, February 1, 2025, Manitobans will see the enforcement of the newly proclaimed Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine announced today. The legislation aims to protect the safety and privacy of individuals accessing and providing abortion services in the province.
“Abortion is health care. Manitobans have the right to safe and accessible health care,” said Fontaine. “Whether you’re accessing reproductive care, recovering from a procedure, or providing critical health care to Manitobans, this new legislation will make sure your safety and privacy is protected.”
The Safe Access to Abortion Services Act establishes buffer zones around clinics whose primary purpose is to provide abortion services, prohibiting protests, demonstrations, or picketing within these areas to prevent harassment and intimidation. Additionally, other facilities that offer surgical or medical abortion services, such as hospitals, pharmacies, doctors’ offices, and healthcare facilities, may request the establishment of buffer zones around their sites.
The legislation also supports access to abortion by protecting physicians and pharmacists who provide Mifegymiso, a non-surgical option for early abortion. Furthermore, the new law ensures that individuals working in abortion service clinics are protected at home.
Similar legislation has been implemented in other Canadian provinces, including British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and Nova Scotia.
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