Phase I

Free and informed consent and imposed sterilizations among First Nations and Inuit women in Quebec

On November 24, 2022, the research report entitled Free and informed consent and imposed sterilizations among First Nations and Inuit women in Quebec was tabled and presented at a meeting of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador (AFNQL) Chiefs. This first phase of the research made it possible to address the lack of data on cases of imposed sterilization among First Nations and Inuit women in Quebec, and to document their experiences on this subject. The publication of this report is the result of a collaboration between the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission (FNQLHSSC), the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), and several First Nations and Inuit organizations. 

Phase I made it possible to collect 35 testimonies from First Nations and Inuit women from five nations who had undergone imposed sterilization and other forms of obstetric and gynecological violence between 1980 and 2019. The data collection revealed the systemic nature of this violence due, among other things, to its geographical distribution. 

Download the report

 

Highlights

  • The majority of research participants were between the ages of 17 and 33 when they were sterilized; from a biological standpoint, the optimal time to bear children is between the ages of 20 and 35. The last case of imposed sterilization reported in Quebec was in 2019.
  • For 22 of the total 35 participants (63%), a tubal ligation was the only method of contraception proposed to them, regardless of how old they were or how many children they had had.
  • The sterilizations were carried out in a hurry, often after childbirth; the participants had never spoken with their doctor about contraception during their prenatal care, and there was no medical reason for carrying out an emergency procedure.

Recommendations and commitment

The participants and the research team proposed 31 recommendations. Click here to read the recommandations.

On November 24, 2022, the Chiefs of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador unanimously adopted the Declaration of Commitment to Ensure Free, Prior and Culturally Informed Consent in Health Services for First Nations Girls and Women in Quebec. Click here to read the Declaration.

Videoconference

On december 8, for the Dîners conférences autochtones presented by UQAT, Suzy Basile, lead researcher, gave a videoconference to present the research report. Watch the videoconference by clicking here.

Phase II

Obstetric and Gynecological Violence and Imposed Sterilizations Among First Nations Women in Quebec

The first research report on free and informed consent and imposed sterilizations among First Nations and Inuit women in Quebec had a profound impact. The testimonies gathered demonstrated that imposed sterilizations and other forms of obstetric and gynecological violence occurred in healthcare facilities across Quebec. Given the number of survivors who came forward in Phase I and denounced the violence they had experienced, it became necessary to continue the research with a new data collection phase. 

This second phase of the research aimed to further document the realities of First Nations women who were subjected to obstetric and gynecological violence—including imposed sterilization—and to give a voice to those who were unable to participate in the first phase. 

The FNQLHSSC and UQAT thank all those who shared their testimonies. Your words illuminated our path and enriched our research. Thank you for your trust and courage. 

Download the report

 

Highlights 

  • Phase II of the research collected 97 testimonies. Combined with those from Phase I, 132 testimonies were recorded, including 77 cases of imposed sterilization. 
  • At the time of the interviews, in 2023-2024, the youngest research participant was 19 years old and the oldest was 90. More than half of the participants were 57 years of age or older at the time of the interviews. Most of them (31 out of 47) were survivors of Indian residential schools. 
  • The individuals interviewed were between 15 and 40 years old at the time of the events, and their experiences of obstetric and gynecological violence occurred between 1956 and 2023. 
  • Different categories of obstetric and gynecological violence—including verbal, psychological, physical, and discriminatory forms based on ethnic origin—were identified. Several categories are marked by racism and persistent prejudices against First Nations women. 

Recommendations and commitment

The continuation of this research is based on the AFNQL’s Declaration of Commitment to Ensure Free, Prior, and Culturally Informed Consent in Health Services for First Nations Girls and Women in Quebec, which was adopted in 2022. 

The participants and the research team proposed 17 new recommendations. 

Click here to view the recommendations. 

 

Additional information

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