FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
John Rustad Announces “Next Generation Healthcare” Initiative Focused on Reproductive Health and Family Formation
“BC women deserve world-class reproductive healthcare, and the current system is failing them. Our plan will bring BC into the future with real support for women and families at every stage of their reproductive journey.” —John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia
October 11th, Vancouver, BC: John Rustad, Leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia, unveiled his party’s new initiative to overhaul and improve reproductive health services in the province, ensuring that women and families have access to world-class care and support. Titled “Next Generation Healthcare,” this plan is designed to ensure that women have access to the highest standards of reproductive health care, addressing critical gaps left by the NDP government.
“Under the NDP, BC’s reproductive health services have lagged far behind those in other regions. Women and families here deserve better access, better care, and better outcomes—and our plan will deliver exactly that,” said Rustad. “We’re committed to providing real, tangible support at every step of the reproductive journey, from fertility treatments to pregnancy care, and everything in between. It’s time for BC women to receive the high-quality care they deserve.”
Next Generation Reproductive Health: A 5-Point Plan
The Conservative Party of BC’s plan focuses on five key areas: expanding access to fertility treatments, supporting women after pregnancy loss, training more midwives, providing financial support for adoption, and investing in research for women’s health.
1. Expanding Access to Fertility Treatments
Infertility can be an incredibly difficult journey for many couples, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) offers hope for starting a family. However, the high costs and limited availability of fertility services are barriers for many BC families. To address this, a Conservative government will:
- Fund second-round IVF treatments: Provide financial support for couples seeking a second round of IVF treatment, reducing financial burdens and increasing access to fertility care.
- Expand IVF capacity in BC: Work with private sector experts to expand fertility clinic capacity, ensuring timely access to IVF treatments in BC.
2. Supporting Women After Pregnancy Loss
Women facing the physical and emotional toll of pregnancy loss deserve time to heal. Rustad committed to:
- One month paid compassionate leave after miscarriage: Implement a new policy allowing women who suffer a miscarriage to take one month of paid leave to recover without the added stress of work obligations.
3. Training More Midwives to Support Families
Midwives are an essential part of pregnancy and childbirth care, yet there are not enough trained professionals in most areas of BC. Rustad pledged to:
- Establish a midwife training school in Surrey: Partner with post-secondary institutions to create a midwife degree program in Surrey, addressing the critical shortage of midwives in key regions.
- Create a 2-year conversion program for nurses: Develop a program allowing registered nurses to transition into midwifery, strengthening the healthcare workforce and improving access to midwife care.
4. Providing Financial Support for Adoption
Every child deserves a loving home, and Rustad highlighted the importance of making adoption more accessible for BC families:
- Offer financial support for adoption: Introduce financial assistance to help families offset the high costs associated with adoption, making it easier for more children to find permanent homes.
5. Expanding Research on Women’s Health
Cervical and ovarian cancers remain serious threats to women’s health, and the need for greater research is urgent. The Conservatives will:
- Increase funding for research: Invest in groundbreaking research on cervical and ovarian cancer, focusing on early detection and innovative treatments to improve outcomes and save lives.
A Commitment to Women’s Health
“Our 5-point plan for next generation reproductive healthcare will raise the standard of reproductive services in BC and ensure that women have the support they deserve,” Rustad said. “Whether it’s fertility, miscarriage recovery, midwifery care, adoption, or women’s health research, Conservatives are committed to making sure women’s health is prioritized.”
The Conservative Party of BC’s “Next Generation Healthcare” initiative is a comprehensive approach that seeks to address the gaps in BC’s reproductive healthcare services and empower women with the best possible care at every stage of their lives.
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For more information, please contact [email protected].
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