My Indigenous Life

The Fight to End Forced Sterilization of Indigenous Women in Canada: Where the Bill Stands and Why Support Still Matters

In October 2024, the Canadian Senate showed unanimous support for a bill aimed at criminalizing the forced and coerced sterilization of Indigenous women. Senate Bill S-228, championed by Independent Senator Yvonne Boyer, seeks to amend the Criminal Code to make it a criminal offence to perform sterilization procedures without free, prior, and informed consent.

Despite this critical support, the bill’s progress has stalled. Parliamentary pauses at the beginning of 2025 left the bill in limbo, and as of October 2025, it has not been passed into law.

Forced and coerced sterilization is a violation of human rights and bodily autonomy. For decades, thousands of Indigenous women across Canada have been subjected to these procedures without their consent – a practice rooted in colonialism and eugenics. Survivors have shared stories of lifelong trauma, loss of identity, and injustice. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission and numerous human rights organizations have recognized forced sterilization as a form of genocide.

The effects are profound and multi-generational. Women have lost their ability to have children, families have been broken, and entire communities have been affected. The trauma reverberates, impacting mental, emotional, and physical health. This practice has contributed to ongoing mistrust in the healthcare system among Indigenous peoples and is a stark example of systemic racism.

Although the bill is currently paused, there are ways to support its passage and stand with survivors:

– Learn more: Amnesty International Canada has resources and background on forced sterilization and the fight for justice: https://amnesty.ca/activism-guide/sterilization-without-consent/

– Sign the petition: Join calls to end coerced and forced sterilization of Indigenous women by signing this petition: https://www.change.org/p/ministry-of-indigenous-affairs-end-coerced-forced-sterilization-of-indigenous-women

– Contact your representatives: Ask your Member of Parliament to support the passage of Bill S-228 and prioritize the rights and safety of Indigenous women.

The fight to end forced sterilization is not over. By raising awareness, supporting survivors, and pushing for legislative change, we can help ensure that no Indigenous woman is ever subjected to this violation again. Let us honour the courage of those who have come forward and work together for justice and healing.

#IndigenousRights #EndForcedSterilization #BillS228 #JusticeForIndigenousWomen #StopGenocide #ReproductiveJustice #SenatorYvonneBoyer #IndigenousHealth #HumanRights #CanadaParliament #SupportSurvivors #TruthAndReconciliation

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References:
– Senate Bill S-228: https://www.parl.ca/legisinfo/en/bill/45-1/s-228
– Senator Yvonne Boyer’s advocacy: https://www.ipolitics.ca/2025/08/07/a-legacy-of-colonialism-senate-bill-s-228-aims-to-criminalize-the-forced-sterilization-of-women/
– Amnesty International: https://amnesty.ca/activism-guide/sterilization-without-consent/

– Petition: https://www.change.org/p/ministry-of-indigenous-affairs-end-coerced-forced-sterilization-of-indigenous-women