28 NOVEMBER 2014

(FREDERICTON, NB) - David Coon, New Brunswick's Green Party Leader and MLA for Fredericton South welcomes Premier Brian Gallant's decision to remove legal barriers to women's right to choose.

"I congratulate the Premier on acting quickly to amend Regulation 84-20 of the Medical Services Payment Act, so New Brunswick women can access abortion services more readily," said Mr. Coon.

The government will be working with the regional health networks to increase capacity and ensure timely access to these services.

Mr. Coon believes the best way to ensure timely and compassionate care is to move reproductive health services out of hospitals so they can be provided in community health centres and clinics.

"I hope the Premier's announcement represents a first step in ensuring women have access to comprehensive reproductive health services, which should include an expanded mandate and greater resources for New Brunswick's sexual health centres. This way, providers can increase their emphasis on preventative care," Mr. Coon adds.

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