A recent study examines options available to Indigenous individuals who have undergone coerced or forced sterilization for future pregnancies. The report, conducted by the University of Ottawa Center for Health Law, Policy, and Ethics in collaboration with the Survivors Circle for Reproductive Justice, delves into the possibilities, expenses, and obstacles faced by survivors seeking to regain fertility.
Among the solutions outlined are procedures like tubal ligation reversal, in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogacy, and egg donation. Harmony Redsky, the executive director of the Survivors Circle for Reproductive Justice, highlighted the significance of these options, emphasizing that they represent newfound opportunities for many individuals who never thought such choices were available.
Redsky, hailing from Wasauksing First Nation in Ontario, views this as just the initial phase in the journey to help survivors build families following experiences of forced or coerced sterilization. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, including limited access to services and the discomfort Indigenous people may feel when seeking assistance.
Addressing the need for more discussions on reproductive justice, Redsky pointed out the historical lack of information sharing on services and treatments available to survivors. She also expressed optimism for legal progress on the matter, citing a bill introduced by Métis Senator Yvonne Boyer aimed at criminalizing non-consensual sterilization practices.
Katy Bear, a survivor of coerced sterilization twenty years ago who recently welcomed a baby girl, played a crucial role as a co-author of the report. Redsky emphasized Bear’s contributions in shedding light on the far-reaching impacts of the issue.
The report suggests advocating for patient rights, compiling a directory of specialized care providers for fertility restoration, and establishing cultural safety protocols for healthcare professionals. Bear, supporting approximately five women from the Survivors Circle seeking to have children again, highlighted the emotional toll of addressing past traumas caused by government actions.
Furthermore, survivors require more comprehensive information, as some may not even be aware of what transpired. The ongoing efforts aim to not only address existing traumas but also prevent new ones from arising due to the reproductive injustices faced by Indigenous individuals.