NDP commit to improving women’s health services

HALIFAX — On Wednesday, NDP Leader Claudia Chender announced her party’s plan to improve women’s health services in Nova Scotia. Chender’s pledge to improve services and access for Nova Scotians across the province comes on the same day New Democrats released their platform.

For the first two weeks of their campaign, New Democrats have committed to save renters money, increase housing supply, build more primary care clinics and cut the HST off essentials like groceries, phone and internet bills, and heat pumps so staying warm costs Nova Scotians less this winter.

“Today, we’re announcing our plan to better support women’s health because the Conservatives, and the Liberals before them, have denied women the services they need,” said Chender. “Parents are waiting weeks for ultrasounds. There are less than 20 midwives serving our entire province, and people are driving for hours to access critical services like surgical abortions. These are unacceptable, unnecessary barriers to health care. New Democrats are proposing real solutions to improve women’s health in the province.”

An NDP government will make surgical abortion services available for more Nova Scotians – including on Cape Breton Island – so that people don’t have to drive hours for health care. New Democrats will increase the number of sonographers, so people aren’t waiting for ultrasounds.

Chender is also pledging to increase the number of midwives and expand their scope of reproductive and sexual health care services, allowing them to insert IUDs and prescribe Mifegymiso. Stronger midwifery services will reduce strain on our primary care system and improve health outcomes for babies and parents alike.

“Throughout our campaign – and in the platform we’re releasing today – we’ve been speaking to Nova Scotians about the issues that matter to them,” said Chender. “We know that, by working together, we can build a province where everyone has the healthcare they need, housing they can actually afford, a life that doesn’t break the bank, and a brighter future for our kids.”

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