But now, if you’re in Aylesbury, Sask., about 100 kilometers northwest of Regina, you’ll also see an “abortion is health care” sign. “We’re trying to reduce stigma and also increase availability and accessibility to those people who need access to abortion,” said Rachel Regio, vice president of Abortion is Healthcare Signs Inc., which paid for the billboard. The non-profit organization was founded after The US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the landmark case that secured constitutional protections for abortion in the US for almost 50 years.
Access to abortion in Saskatchewan
The U.S. decision does not affect access to abortion services in Saskatchewan, but has sparked debate about barriers in the province. For example, people living in northern Saskatchewan or rural areas may have to travel several hours for a surgical abortion, as this procedure is only available in Saskatoon and Regina. The timelines for an abortion also vary by province. A person can have a surgical abortion while up to 18 weeks and six days pregnant in Regina, but only up to 12 weeks pregnant in Saskatoon. Meanwhile, provinces such as Alberta, B.C. and Ontario, have longer time frames. In BC, a surgical abortion can be obtained up to 24 weeks. It has also been reported that not all Saskatchewan doctors will prescribe the abortion pill, known as Mifegymiso in Canada, and that not all pharmacies will stock or fill a prescription for it. Regio said her organization believes “an abortion is a health care procedure that should be accessible to anyone who needs it.” Tasia Alexopoulou, spokeswoman for the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC), said the organization is excited that Saskatchewan has a pro-abortion rights billboard. “We would love to see this happen across Canada,” she said in an interview. “Having the ability to fight back [anti-abortion messages] with more positive and fact-based messages is really important, especially in places that are a little more remote or rural.” Tasia Alexopoulou, spokesperson for the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada, pictured at the Moncton Choice Chain in September 2020. (Submitted by Tasia Alexopoulou) Alexopoulos said that since Roe v. Wade was overturned, more people have donated to ARCC, followed the organization on social media and become more aware of anti-abortion messages. “It’s important to have compassionate real messages so people don’t feel alone,” Alexopoulos said. Regio said her group plans to pay for billboards in Yorkton and Weyburn in the near future. He said he expects there will be a backlash from people on both sides of the abortion debate. “Everyone has a right to their opinion,” he said. “With our organization, we try to emphasize that it’s a health care process.”
