Pressure Mounts on Quebec to Cover Delivery and Follow-Up Costs for Migrant Women
Advocacy groups are calling on the Quebec government to take action and cover the delivery and follow-up costs for migrant women who give birth in the province.
According to a report by the Quebec Association of Midwives, migrant women who do not have access to health insurance are facing significant financial barriers when it comes to giving birth in Quebec. These women are often forced to pay out-of-pocket for delivery and follow-up care, which can amount to thousands of dollars.
This issue has been brought to the attention of the Quebec government by various advocacy groups, including the Quebec Federation of Women, the Immigrant Workers Center, and the Association for the Rights of Non-Status Women. These groups are urging the government to take immediate action and provide coverage for these essential healthcare services.
In a joint statement, the groups emphasized the importance of ensuring that all women, regardless of their immigration status, have access to safe and affordable healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. They also highlighted the fact that denying coverage for these services not only puts the health of migrant women at risk, but also their newborns.
The Quebec government has yet to respond to these calls for action. However, the groups are hopeful that their efforts will lead to positive change and that the government will recognize the urgency of this issue.
In the meantime, the Quebec Association of Midwives is offering free prenatal care to migrant women without health insurance. This initiative aims to provide these women with the necessary support and resources during their pregnancy, as well as to raise awareness about the issue at hand.
It is crucial for the Quebec government to address this issue and ensure that all women, regardless of their immigration status, have access to essential healthcare services. The well-being of migrant women and their newborns should not be compromised due to financial barriers. It is time for action to be taken and for these women to receive the care they deserve.
