Women's Health

The colonial wounds on Indigenous women’s health

To improve Indigenous women’s health, there must be a drastic change to the health-care system and how we view health.

Technology is deepening economic abuse: Canada’s health system can’t afford to ignore it

Addressing economic and digital safety is no longer optional for health policy. It is a core component of patient wellbeing.

The accidental birth tourist: A North American pregnancy

When baby is old enough to know the full story, I cannot wait to share how life was up north, in a place known for its warmth as much as for its cold, that welcomed an American like me without a plan.

No, women aren’t supposed to hurt: Misconceptions about reproductive health have serious consequences

If Canada is committed to gender equity and universal health coverage, then we must address the fact that young women’s pain too often goes unheard, not because they are silent, but because the world taught them to be.

‘Things went horribly wrong’: Patient advocates spreading the word about dangers of Botox

Much of the conversation about Botox centres on whether it looks good or bad, or if getting it can be considered a “feminist” choice. Less attention has been given to the fact that research indicates that one in six patients who are injected with Botox experiences adverse effects from the procedure.

Canada needs a women’s health strategy: Lives depend on it

The path forward to prioritizing women’s health and well-being must be laid by Canadians whose voices propel political, social and economic change around the world.

Living with stage 4 lobular breast cancer: What I want you to know

Lobular breast cancer is different. Vigilance matters. And stage 4 does not erase the possibility of hope or joy.

Code Black and Blue: Nurses launch campaign against violence in the workplace

No one should be hurt at work, least of all those who care for others. It’s time to protect nurses and make safe staffing a priority.

Tylenol misinformation puts pregnant patients at risk

Casting doubt on Tylenol without solid evidence does not empower pregnant people, it corners them. It adds guilt, stigma and undermines their confidence in making safe decisions for themselves and their babies.

Endometriosis is a national health crisis: Why aren’t we treating it like one?

If we want to build a more equitable and responsive health-care system, one that doesn’t leave millions behind, we must start by acknowledging endometriosis as the national health issue that it is.

Aspiration alone is not adequate: Breast screening task force missing the mark

When it comes to the Canadian Task Force, health advocacy is an integral role for any medical professional. There is no desire to generate more “business.”

Contraception isn’t just her job

The current contraceptive landscape places a disproportionate amount of physical and mental burden for pregnancy prevention on women. But what about men?

Breathing for both of us

I walked into the obstetrics unit – 36 weeks pregnant, out of breath and scared. I had been here before, but this time was different.

HPV vaccination more than just women’s health issue

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination historically has been framed as a women’s health topic, but a gender-neutral approach to prevention may boost health benefits for both females and males.

Canada’s next government must prioritize perinatal mental health

Perinatal mental health should remain a political priority for the next government. There is substantial urgency to act so that people at risk can get the help they need.

My birth sex is part of my medical history; it should be as private as the rest of my medical history

Insisting on primary birth sex identification for trans people does little to improve the health of trans and gender diverse persons; it merely exchanges one theoretical set of adverse health care outcomes for others that are definite and far more impactful.

Pregnancy with HIV: Breaking down barriers and overcoming stigma

Maria's experience highlights the need for better training on HIV management in maternity care. No woman should feel like an outsider or unwanted during the very time when she is bringing life into the world.

‘I wish he would have just hit me’: Bill criminalizing ‘insidious’ form of domestic abuse dies with prorogation

Coercive control, a form of intimate partner violence, was nearly criminalized in Canada before parliament was prorogued on Jan. 6. Will new Parliament revive it?

‘Nobody prepares you for this part of the journey’: Four women discuss life after breast cancer

Breast cancer rates are increasing for women in their 20s to 40s. Four women share how life looks after breast cancer and how they contended with challenges they never saw coming.

‘I shouldn’t be feeling suicidal every month’: Searching for answers for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder

For women living with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, every month is a fight for survival.