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Topic

“Despite knowing that I was so committed, I still had so much grief to process”: Indigenous Peoples Experiences with and Recommendations for Improving Post-Abortion Supports in Canada

Social Dimensions of Health

Date & location

• Friday, January 10, 2025
• 10:00 A.M.
• Virtual Defence

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Renée Monchalin, School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria (Supervisor)
• Dr. Astrid Pérez Piñán, School of Public Administration, UVic (Co-Supervisor)

External Examiner

• Dr. Cheryl Aro, School of Social Work, UVic

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Vera Caine, School of Nursing, UVic

Abstract

Background: Prior to settler contact, abortion was once a traditional method widely practiced among Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) on Turtle Island. Colonial influence has obscured much of this knowledge and has sought to limit Indigenous populations through violent measures, often by targeting children, fostering anti-abortion beliefs in many Indigenous communities today. This stigma has left many Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, and LGBTQIA+ people seeking abortion care without natural support networks. In Canada, inequitable social determinants of health impact Indigenous people's ability to parent as intended. For those seeking abortion, this often means navigating a healthcare system that continues to perpetuate anti-Indigenous racism. This context highlights the need for post-abortion support tailored to Indigenous community members to address the complex, layered challenges that many face.

Objective: By engaging with Indigenous community members’ experiences with post-abortion support services, this thesis research explores how post-abortion support can be advanced for Indigenous women, Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ peoples in Canada.

Research Design: This thesis is nested within the larger qualitative research study titled The Fireweed Project: Indigenous Peoples and the Right to Abortion. On this project, an Indigenous methodology was utilized to engage with 39 Indigenous peoples, who have accessed or tried to access an abortion in Canada, through conversational interviews. Our community-based analysis team interpreted data using a culturally relevant IGBA+ approach while following the DEPICT model. Through Indigenous feminism and reproductive justice frameworks, this thesis research draws on Fireweed’s qualitative dataset regarding experiences with post-abortion support.

Results & Discussion: Indigenous participants expanded the understanding of post-abortion support, highlighting that support before and during their abortion is also an integral part of “postabortion” care. These services were seen as playing a fundamental role in promoting wholistic well-being (physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, and cultural dimensions). However, the support they received often fell short of meeting these needs, exacerbating negative emotions and creating additional barriers to recovery and well-being. Drawing from these experiences, participants provided valuable insights into how post-abortion support services could be improved to better serve Indigenous community members. They envisioned quality support as being wholistic, client-centered, compassionate, trauma-informed, culturally relevant, continuous, and delivered in collaboration with fellow community members. The discussion identifies three pathways for implementing these recommendations, each building on their credibility. The first involves enhancing service delivery with existing providers, next by integrating abortion doulas into care, followed by incorporating Indigenous abortion doulas to provide culturally grounded support.

Conclusion: Indigenous peoples' relationship to abortion is complex and often overlooked. This study is the first to center on Indigenous peoples' lived experiences following abortion and the support they received during their recovery. The recommendations offered by community members have the potential to enhance Indigenous well-being while also supporting the resurgence of sovereignty over reproductive care practices and knowledge. These efforts align with the principles of The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC).