Laura Mayer

Bill S-228 – Amendment to the Criminal Code on Forced Sterilization. NCIM communicated with Members of Parliament in support of Bill S-228, which proposes to criminalize forced and coerced sterilization by adding it as an aggravated assault under the Criminal Code. NCIM wrote open letters to submit to Members of Parliament and have mentioned it in other advocacy meetings. Advocacy relates to protecting informed consent, advancing reproductive justice, addressing systemic discrimination in health care, and supporting Indigenous women, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people affected by coerced sterilization. Engagement included participation in a joint letter urging passage of the legislation. Bill S-243, An Act to Establish a National Framework for Women's Health in Canada The National Council of Indigenous Midwives is participating as part of the Women's Health Coalition Advocacy Council. We aim to ensure: Explicit inclusion of Indigenous women, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people within the framework; Consultation and stakeholder engagement provisions (Clauses 3–5), including recognition of Indigenous midwifery organizations as key partners; Improving access to maternal and reproductive health services in rural, remote and northern communities; Workforce development and Indigenous midwifery education; Federal-Provincial-Territorial coordination mechanisms related to women’s health. Advocacy may include participation in coalition activities, advisory committee engagement, and potential submissions during parliamentary committee study. Secure increases in funding for our organization to support the growth of Indigenous midwifery across Canada. Securing increased federal investments in Indigenous-led health (midwifery, infrastructure, and community-based education). Securing Indigenous midwifery leadership within the federal government’s health human resource planning.