December 19, 2025
Many people in the Northwest Territories continue to face significant barriers when seeking essential sexual and reproductive health care. Gaps in provider knowledge, training and resources, stigma and discrimination, and geographic isolation all make it harder for residents to access timely, safe services.
Today, the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, announced more than $170,000 in support for the Northern Birthwork Collective's Abortion Support Program. This funding will address these barriers and improve access to sexual and reproductive health services in the North.
In partnership with MakeWay Charitable Society, the Northern Birthwork Collective's Abortion Support Program will expand access to reproductive healthcare services in the Northwest Territories with on-call support services, financial assistance for medical escorts, and community outreach and education.
This investment comes through the Government of Canada’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Fund. In September, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced more than $13 million in support for 15 community-based organizations to help make sexual and reproductive health services more accessible for people in Canada.
Since 2021, the Government of Canada has supported 36 projects through the Sexual and Reproductive Health Fund so Canadians can access safe and relevant sexual and reproductive health services. The Government of Canada remains committed to enhancing the availability and accessibility of reliable, evidence-based sexual and reproductive health services and information.
Quick facts
- The Sexual and Reproductive Health Fund was created to support a wide range of evidence-informed and innovative projects for people in Canada who are at increased risk for poorer sexual and reproductive health outcomes, including members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities, Indigenous and racialized people, women, and youth.
Associated links
Quotes
“Every person in Canada deserves access to comprehensive, inclusive and culturally safe sexual and reproductive health services, no matter who they are or where they live. Through projects like the ones announced today, the government is taking concrete actions to advance health equity and gender equality, so more Canadians can fully participate in the workforce.”
The Honourable Marjorie Michel
Minister of Health
“Supporting access to sexual and reproductive health services and evidence-based information is vital to advancing health equity for women and 2SLGBTQI+ communities, who continue to face systemic barriers to inclusive care. This investment is a concrete step toward upholding human rights, promoting bodily autonomy, and building a Canada where everyone can thrive.”
The Honourable Rechie Valdez
Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
"Too many people in Canada still face real challenges when trying to access the care and support they need. By investing in community-led solutions, we’re not only expanding access to sexual and reproductive health services — we’re also helping to build a more inclusive and equitable health system for everyone."
Marie-Gabrielle Ménard
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
“Northerners often have to travel far from home to get the care they need. This investment will go a long way to reducing the burden on people who are already facing difficult circumstances. By expanding on-call services, help for medical escorts, and community outreach, we are breaking down barriers and ensuring access to safe, high-quality care in the Northwest Territories.”
The Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories