Safe, Legal… and Inclusive? A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring Trans People’s Experiences Accessing Abortion Care in Canada

Abortion is an essential component of comprehensive healthcare, where lack of access to safe, affordable, timely and respectful abortion is, according to the World Health Organization, a “critical public health and human rights issue.” Trans people are often left out of abortion research, as well as the clinical delivery of abortion care, which focuses on the experiences and needs of cisgender women. A small handful of USA-based research studies have found that trans people experience oftentimes quite profound barriers to accessing affirming abortion care. Little is known, however, about the abortion experiences of trans people in Canada. This project aims to address this gap, using survey, interview and arts-based methods. Results from this project will be used to create a purpose-built tool that abortion providers can use to assess their space and the services offered therein, to ensure that they would be accessible, as well as safe, affordable, timely and respectful to trans people seeking pregnancy termination. This project will be housed in the Centre for Gender and Sexual Health Equity, a research institute whose mission is to advance gender equity in all facets of sexual and reproductive health. Recent research within the centre highlights unmet needs for culturally safe sexual and reproductive health for equity-seeking groups, including sex workers, im/migrants, queer and trans people, and people with HIV. Dr. Lowik’s project will further advance the CGSHE’s work in this area, with a focus on mobilizing research towards policy and practice recommendations, and the delivery of equitable, patient-centred healthcare.

Faculty Supervisor:

Kate Shannon

Student:

Partner:

Providence Health Care

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: