May 14th, 2009 Marks the 40th Anniversary of the Legalization of Contraception and Abortion in Canada

On May 14th 1969 contraception and abortion were legalized in Canada. Forty years later it's hard to imagine a Canada where individuals were restricted from having full control over their bodies, and deciding if, whether, and when to have children.

The struggle for a pro-choice Canada continues today, as abortion services are still not accessible to everyone. Geographical, financial, and identity-based barriers exist that reduce a person's ability to exercise their right to choose.

The meaning of pro-choice also extends beyond abortion to encompass a person's ability to determine their sexual and reproductive health. This includes contraception, the right to live free from discrimination regardless of one's sexual orientation, gender identity, or other identity-marker, and more.