First Nations and Inuit women underwent forced sterilizations in the Quebec health network between 1980 and 2019, according to a research report from the University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
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The report of the research team led by Sucy Basile and Patricia Bouchard exposed the cases of 35 women aged between 17 and 46, who testified to their history of forced sterilization.
“We think there are a lot more than that. […] We were also surprised to learn that in addition to forced sterilizations, there were also cases of forced abortions and other obstetrical violence, including discriminatory comments during childbirth, for example,” said Suzie Basile, Professor, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Women’s Issues.
In the majority of cases, 63% of women are offered ligature as the only method of contraception.
“Okay, you know there, the children, you should stop doing it because they will end up in foster care. It’s like that for the Indians, there. Then you should stop it there. Afternoon there is room there! You will be lucky!” in particular indicated a doctor to one of the participants of the study who had just given birth to her second child at the age of 20 years.
Nine women testified to forced sterilizations, six to obstetric violence and three to forced abortions, according to the report.
This practice was strongly denounced by the Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw (CNA), which wanted to highlight the courage of these women.
“Our peoples have experienced and continue to experience atrocities. It is essential to denounce these genocidal practices to hope for a positive change. Our women are inspiring and make us proud, we will accompany them in their fight which is also that of everyone”, mentioned Constant Awashish, Grand Chief of the Atikamekw Nation.
The Minister responsible for First Nations and Inuit Relations, Ian Lafrenière, described this situation as “completely unacceptable”.
“This report reminds us of the urgency of offering Aboriginal people access to culturally appropriate health care and services, in a safe environment. It’s non-negotiable,” he wrote on Twitter.
-With information from Marie-Claude Paradis-Desfossés, TVA Nouvelles