National review needed following report on tubal ligations: researchers
OTTAWA — Two researchers who documented unwanted tubal ligations and “inherent racism” experienced by Indigenous women navigating the health-care system in Saskatoon say a national review is needed to determine if other Aboriginal women have experienced similar trauma.
Yvonne Boyer, a lawyer and a Canada Research Chair at Manitoba’s Brandon University, and Dr. Judith Bartlett, a physician and researcher, released a report last week outlining how Indigenous women from Saskatoon and surrounding areas were coerced into having their Fallopian tubes clamped or severed after giving birth in a hospital.
The experience of the women in Saskatchewan is likely not limited to the province, Boyer said, adding Indigenous Peoples have experienced racism and discrimination all over the country, including in accessing health services.
“This has just given us an opportunity to use tubal ligation as an example, but I would say it is probably happening in other aspects of health care as well,” Boyer said in an interview, noting Indigenous women who shared their stories for the report are also seeking a national review.