Brian Gallant says P.E.I. abortion deal no different than other deals
Premier Brian Gallant says the deal made with Prince Edward Island to provide abortion services to women from that province at the Moncton Hospital is no different than deals made with other provinces to provide health care services.
On Tuesday, the P.E.I. government announced it made an agreement with the Moncton Hospital to provide timely access to abortion services for Island women.
Gallant said the decision falls in line with his government's commitment.
"As you know we made a commitment during the campaign to get rid of barriers to the constitutional right of women for reproductive health, which we did," he said.
"When it comes to the delivery of those services it is up to the regional health authorities, so they would be the ones that would look into the way the policy would be therefore implemented."
The new family planning clinic announced by the Gallant government in November opened in Moncton last month.
Under the program announced today, P.E.I. women can call a toll-free number and make an appointment for an abortion at the Moncton N.B. hospital.
No referral needed
Women will no longer require a referral from a P.E.I. doctor. And they won't need a local appointment for an ultrasound or blood work.
Gallant says the decision will not have an impact on New Brunswick patients.
"Obviously we just always want to ensure that the people of New Brunswick will be served as well. And as best as possible," he said.
Gallant spoke about the deal as he left the Fredericton Convention Centre for the first official visit to New Brunswick by European Union Heads of Mission, which included ambassadors and a high commissioner of the European Union member states.
He said provinces often work together to provide services.
"Sometimes we'll have deals with other provinces to help with certain services and my understanding from this morning that's what was announced. And of course it is certainly within the regional health authority's mandate to do that," he said.
