Improving Access to Abortion Services and Information under the Sexual and Reproductive Health Fund

Budget 2021 committed $45 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to improve access to a full range of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care support, information, and services―including abortion services—for people in Canada who face the greatest barriers to access. Health Canada’s SRH Fund was created to support a wide range of evidence-informed and innovative projects for underserved people in Canada who are at increased risk for poorer SRH outcomes, such as LGBTQ2 individuals, Indigenous and racialized people, women and youth.

May 2022

Budget 2021 committed $45 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to improve access to a full range of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care support, information, and services―including abortion services-for people in Canada who face the greatest barriers to access. Health Canada's SRH Fund was created to support a wide range of evidence-informed and innovative projects for underserved people in Canada who are at increased risk for poorer SRH outcomes, such as LGBTQ2 individuals, Indigenous and racialized people, women and youth.

From this Fund, Health Canada is providing more than $3.5 million for two projects, one led by Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights (Action Canada) and the other led by the National Abortion Federation Canada (NAF Canada).

Access for All
Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights (Action Canada)
Funding: $2,119,073 over three years, starting in 2021-22

The Access for All project will expand Action Canada's existing Access Line program. This program offers accurate and affirming sexual and reproductive health information and referrals for people who need abortion care. The project will also improve access to their financial assistance program, which gives financial and logistical support to people who must travel to access abortion services. Enhancing these two services will enable Action Canada to support more people facing complex barriers to care. The initiative will also enable Action Canada to grow their ability to work toward longer-term strategies to improve both abortion access and access to sexual health information across Canada.

Expanding Access to Abortion Care: Health care professional education and training, patient support, and sustainability coordination
National Abortion Federation Canada (NAF Canada)
Funding: $1,469,150 over three years, starting in 2021-22

NAF Canada's project will ensure abortion facilities have the capacity to continue to provide abortions and related care. NAF Canada will develop training programs with academic institutions, to offer health care providers hands-on training in performing abortions. Training resources will be developed for health care professionals and civil society organizations that work with people who can get pregnant. This funding will provide financial and logistical support to people travelling to access abortion services.