Abortion and Contraception Policy in Prisons in Canada

Little is known about abortion and contraception policy in prisons in Canada. The aim of this study was to determine policies governing access to abortion and contraception in prisons in Canada. Between 2022 and 2023, we sent freedom of information requests to each province and territory and to the federal government of Canada, requesting any information with respect to policies governing abortion and contraception in prisons and jails. Our review identified only one outdated policy pertaining to abortion access, and no policies governing hormonal contraception. The lack of proactive policy to assert access to commonly required services threatens reproductive autonomy.