The Persistence of Abortion Misinformation in New Brunswick: A Shadow Over Progress
New Brunswick has recently taken significant steps to improve access to abortion care, but harmful misinformation continues to circulate, creating confusion and anxiety for those seeking this essential health service. This is the key finding of a recent study presented by sociologist Tobin LeBlanc Haley at the University of New Brunswick. The research, co-authored with Christine Hughes, sheds light on the pervasive nature of misinformation surrounding abortion in the province, despite governmental efforts to expand access.
LeBlanc Haley’s presentation, part of the Feminist Lunch Series at UNB Fredericton, highlighted the various forms that misinformation takes. These include myths about the character of abortion patients, purported health risks, pathways to access, and the motivations of abortion providers. The study, based on interviews and focus groups with 43 participants, reveals a worrying gap between reality and public perception regarding abortion access in New Brunswick. This discrepancy underscores the urgent need for accurate information dissemination to combat the spread of harmful narratives.
One particularly concerning finding was the belief among some research participants that abortion is entirely unavailable within the province. This misconception, directly contradicting the reality of services offered in three hospitals (two in Moncton and one in Bathurst) and through the abortion pill Mifegymiso, underscores the effectiveness of misinformation campaigns in shaping public perception. This inaccurate belief highlights the disconnect between policy changes and public awareness, emphasizing the importance of clear communication strategies to inform the public about available services.
While the repeal of Regulation 84-20 by Premier Susan Holt signals a significant step towards improving abortion access, the closure of Clinic 554, the only freestanding clinic offering free procedural abortions in Fredericton, remains a significant loss. The clinic’s closure, attributed to financial pressures exerted by the previous regulation restricting Medicare funding for abortions outside of hospital settings, demonstrates the tangible impact of restrictive policies on access to care. The lack of a readily available and affordable option for procedural abortions outside of hospital settings continues to be a challenge.
The study also highlighted the presence, albeit not dominant, of stigmatizing narratives about abortion patients as irresponsible or deviant. While not the most prevalent theme, the existence of such perceptions contributes to the shame and stigma surrounding abortion, further complicating the decision-making process for individuals seeking care. This finding emphasizes the need to address the societal stigma associated with abortion alongside improving access to accurate information about the procedure itself.
Beyond the specific context of New Brunswick, the research also touched upon disturbing broader trends, such as the resurgence of the "great replacement theory." This white supremacist conspiracy theory falsely links abortion to a decline in white populations, reflecting a troubling intersection of misinformation and extremist ideologies. The researchers connect this resurgence to the overturning of Roe v. Wade in the United States and the rise of fascist ideologies globally, highlighting the broader context in which abortion debates are taking place. The study implicitly calls for vigilance against the manipulation of abortion discourse by extremist groups.
