Minister Bibeau champions sexual and reproductive health and rights

News Release

March 2, 2017 - Brussels, Belgium - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie, today announced funding of up to $20 million to organizations supporting sexual and reproductive health and rights. The Minister was participating in the She Decides high-level international conference in Brussels, Belgium.

Canada’s investment will support five organizations that have a proven track record of delivering results in the area of the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls. These organizations provide critical sexual and reproductive health services and information that advances gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in the developing world. The funding is part of Canada’s comprehensive approach to closing existing gaps in reproductive rights and health care services for women.

Canada remains committed to supporting access to the full range of sexual and reproductive health services and information. This includes strengthening national health systems, investing in contraceptives, family planning and comprehensive sexuality education, supporting women’s right to choose safe and legal abortions, and access to post-abortion care.

Quotes

“Sexual and reproductive health and rights are human rights. All women have the right to choose whether and when they want to have children, and how many. The empowerment of women and girls everywhere in the world begins with their right to be in control of their bodies.”

- Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie

Quick Facts

  • About 225 million of the world’s women and girls have an unmet need for modern contraception.
  • Maternal mortality is unacceptably high. Globally, about 830 women die from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth every day.
  • Every year, an estimated 22 million women and girls worldwide put their lives at risk by undergoing unsafe, clandestine abortions.

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Contacts

Bernard Boutin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Development and La Francophonie
343-203-5977
bernard.boutin@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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