A coalition of women’s health advocates from Ottawa has launched an urgent appeal to the federal government, demanding substantial investments in women’s health research and care in the upcoming 2024 budget. The move comes amid growing concerns that gender-specific health needs continue to be overlooked in Canada’s healthcare landscape.
“We’re facing a critical moment where women’s health issues can no longer be relegated to the periphery of our healthcare system,” said Dr. Maryam Sharma, director of the Ottawa Women’s Health Collective, during a press conference held Monday at Parliament Hill. “Decades of underfunding have created dangerous gaps in research, treatment, and prevention strategies specifically tailored to women’s bodies.”
The coalition, comprising medical professionals, researchers, and patient advocates, has presented Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland with a comprehensive proposal outlining key investment areas requiring immediate attention. Their request includes a dedicated $500 million allocation over five years to address historically underfunded conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, and pregnancy-related complications.
Research data presented by the group reveals troubling disparities. Women in Canada wait an average of 7.5 years for endometriosis diagnosis, while funding for research into women’s cardiovascular health—despite being the leading cause of death among Canadian women—receives less than a third of the resources allocated to men’s cardiac research.
The timing of this advocacy push aligns strategically with the government’s pre-budget consultation process and builds upon growing public awareness following the Women’s Health Strategy announced last year, which critics described as promising but significantly underfunded.
“What we’re seeking isn’t special treatment but rather an evidence-based correction to a historical imbalance,” explained Dr. Karen Liu, reproductive health researcher at the University of Ottawa. “When we improve women’s health outcomes, we strengthen families, workplaces, and our economy as a whole.”
The coalition’s proposal has gained support from across party lines, with several MPs from both opposition and government benches signaling their endorsement. This rare show of political unity suggests the issue may transcend partisan divides as budget negotiations continue.
Health economists supporting the initiative have emphasized the potential long-term savings to Canada’s healthcare system. Earlier diagnosis and targeted treatments could significantly reduce the $7.3 billion annual economic impact of chronic conditions affecting women, according to their analysis.
“This isn’t merely about addressing a funding discrepancy—it’s about acknowledging that women’s bodies have distinct medical needs that require specialized research and care,” said Elise Johnston, a patient advocate who experienced a seven-year diagnostic journey for her endometriosis. “Every day without proper funding translates to unnecessary suffering for millions of Canadian women.”
As the federal budget announcement approaches, the coalition plans to amplify their message through community forums and digital advocacy campaigns. They’ve also requested meetings with provincial health ministers to coordinate a national approach to women’s health initiatives.
The question now facing policymakers is whether Canada is prepared to make the investments necessary to close the gender health gap, or if women’s unique medical needs will continue to be addressed through piecemeal and underfunded initiatives. As one advocate pointedly asked: “In 2024, can we truly claim to have a modern healthcare system when half the population’s specific health needs remain chronically underfunded?”
