OTTAWA — Feminist and development organizations are urging Canada not to withdraw its support for reproductive health and gender initiatives as the country shifts its foreign aid focus and implements cuts particularly in global health programming. During a panel discussion on February 2, Oxfam Canada Executive Director Lauren Ravon emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong diplomatic stance amidst concerns of a "scarcity mindset" within the government.
"It's easy to think, 'Well, we can't afford it, so let's cut out the work on LGBTQ+ rights, let's cut off the work on abortion and just stick to the life-saving pieces,'" Ravon stated. This call to action comes as Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State for International Development, announced plans to align Canada’s aid spending with domestic priorities, including supporting Canadian job creation in energy projects and fostering partnerships with private capital.
The mixed reactions from various sectors have centered on preserving programs aimed at women and gender minorities, particularly transgender, non-binary, and intersex individuals. While the Canadian government has committed to maintaining existing funding pledges in foreign aid, it plans to cut billions from global health initiatives. Notably, Prime Minister Mark Carney has articulated that Canada is now championing gender equality, albeit without a formal feminist foreign policy.
Frédérique Chabot, head of Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, asserted that Canada's leadership in reproductive health and rights is critical now more than ever, citing ongoing efforts by far-right and authoritarian groups aimed at undermining global health and human rights standards. Chabot explained, "Sexual and reproductive health and rights are not incidental in this moment. They are targeted precisely because they sit at the intersection of autonomy, gender equality, science, and the role of the state."
An analysis by the Guttmacher Institute revealed that Canada's foreign aid budget allocated $76.2 million for family planning assistance during the fiscal year ending March 2024. This funding has resulted in significant public health outcomes, including the prevention of 2,110 maternal deaths, 1.6 million unintended pregnancies, and 478,000 unsafe abortions. The report highlights the severe implications of funding cuts, noting that every $10 million reduction in Canadian aid could lead to an increase in maternal deaths and unintended pregnancies globally.
Chabot and her colleagues are pressing Ottawa to publicly reaffirm its long-standing commitment to sexual health and reproductive rights. Caitlin Goggin, head of the Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health, echoed this sentiment, stating that Canada has strategically chosen to lead in areas where the need is greatest and the potential for loss is significant. "Canada’s impact on sexual and reproductive health and rights is strongest when it invests in the areas that are most neglected, most contested, and most vulnerable to political rollback," Goggin emphasized.
The narrative surrounding U.S. funding, particularly during the Trump administration, has exacerbated the challenges faced by global health initiatives. The administration's cuts to programs deemed to promote "gender ideology" have led to a loss of vital resources for organizations addressing LGBTQ+ themes and gender issues. Roberto Paulo, from the LGBTQ+ organization Lambda in Mozambique, expressed concern over the implications of these funding restrictions, which threaten to reverse decades of progress in understanding gender identity and sexual orientation.
Ravon reiterated the urgency for Canada to demonstrate its commitment to human rights amid rising global threats. She cautioned that changes in legislation surrounding abortion and gender identity could be rapidly reversed if not firmly supported. She argued for continued investment in empowering civil society to advocate for reproductive freedoms and counter misinformation, calling for such advocacy efforts to remain a priority even in tighter budget scenarios.
In conclusion, Oxfam has highlighted that increasing inequality both within Canada and globally is creating a mindset of scarcity, suggesting that adequate funding for development initiatives is feasible if the wealthy contribute their fair share of taxes. The pressing needs for funding in reproductive health and rights initiatives exemplify the broader struggle for gender equality and human rights on the global stage.
