A B.C. abortion, sexual and reproductive well being clinic is closing after 35 years.
The Elizabeth Bagshaw Clinic introduced the choice on Friday morning saying modifications to the provincial health-care system, together with Vancouver Coastal Well being’s (VCH) choice to shift to a brand new mannequin for sexual and reproductive well being, “have created an unsure future for impartial clinics” like theirs.
The board additionally said in a launch that operational limitations, together with new accreditation requirements and lease constraints, made it unimaginable for the clinic to proceed working.
“We’re deeply grateful to our devoted employees, physicians, nurses, counsellors, volunteer administrators and companions who’ve labored tirelessly to make sure that folks throughout British Columbia have entry to secure, confidential sexual and reproductive well being care,” board chair Robyn Jones-Murrell mentioned in a press release.
“We additionally need to acknowledge the immense contributions of our donors and members. Your help has allowed us to supply high-quality, compassionate care to so many who wanted it.”
The board mentioned that the lease at their location on West Broadway is ready to run out this summer season and there is just one extra yr of confirmed funding.
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The Elizabeth Bagshaw Clinic was based in 1989 and has handled 1000’s of individuals over time.
Greater than half of its sufferers got here from outdoors the Vancouver Coastal Well being area.
The board mentioned they’re working with the well being authority to assist transition sufferers to different companies, together with Willow Clinic and Everywoman’s Well being Centre, nevertheless, the closure will add further pressure to an already overburdened system.
“The time is now for the Authorities of B.C. to determine a devoted provincial technique for community-based, trauma-informed sexual and reproductive well being care,” Jones-Murrell mentioned.
“With no sustainable, co-ordinated system, entry to vital companies like abortion, STI testing and contraception will proceed to be in danger.”
The clinic was named after Dr. Elizabeth Bagshaw, a pioneer in reproductive alternative who helped set up Canada’s first neighborhood contraception clinic.
The clinic has additionally contributed to scientific instructing by means of the College of British Columbia and the British Columbia Institute of Expertise, serving to practice future well being professionals in reproductive care.
Extra to return.
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