Two Quebec medical associations, the Association des omnipraticiens en périnatalité du Québec and the Association des obstétriciens et gynécologues du Québec, have raised concerns about Bill 2 neglecting essential women’s health services. These services include contraception, abortion, cervical cancer screening, pregnancy care, and gynecological exams, all at risk due to the impact of the law.
The main issue highlighted by the associations is the classification of most women’s health services as “green,” categorizing patients as healthy. Additionally, clinics may not meet performance targets if they treat patients assigned to other physician groups, notably affecting pregnancy follow-ups. Under the law, family doctors are urged to prioritize patients with major conditions, labeled as “red” cases.
Dr. Angie Brockman, president of the AOPQ, emphasizes the shortcomings in compensation for services like contraception care under Bill 2. For instance, doctors may only receive minimal compensation for procedures like IUD insertions, which require time and expertise to ensure patient comfort and safety.
The concern extends to the lack of specific provisions for pregnancy care in the legislation, leaving pregnant women in a precarious situation. The AOGQ echoes these worries, emphasizing the strain on gynecologists who are already at full capacity, potentially impacting access to specialized care for women in need.
The Quebec government and the FMOQ are in talks to address these issues, but uncertainties remain regarding the protection of fee-for-service payments and specialized women’s health services in the revised law. There is a call for Minister Christian Dubé to consider the nuances of women’s health care and make necessary amendments to safeguard essential services.
