2023-02 Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights for Aging and Older Women in Canada and Elimination of Ageist Policies and Programs Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause
Whereas #1 the human rights of women are an inherent, inalienable, integral, and indivisible part of universal human rights; and
Whereas #2 the full development and advancement of women cannot be achieved without taking a life cycle approach, recognizing and addressing the different stages of women’s lives — childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age; and
Whereas #3 there are 10 million women over the age of 40 in Canada, making up more than one-quarter of the population yet their healthcare and societal needs related to menopause have largely been ignored, meaning that Canada’s laws, policies and programs must be updated to prevent discriminatory practises; and
Whereas #4 not all women can reproduce, but all women after their reproductive life stage will experience and live through menopausal stages (perimenopause, menopause and postmenopause); therefore be it
Resolved #1 that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that menopausal stages are part of the normal life cycle and must not serve as a reason for discrimination or stigma; and be it further
Resolved #2 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to eliminate age discrimination (ageism) at the institutional level and from all its existing policies, programs and practices relating to age limitations with respect to Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights in accordance with CEDAW and Section 15 - Equality Rights of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, fully recognizing Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights of menopausal women; and be it further
Resolved #3 that the National Council of Women of Canada urge all levels of government to work with civil society organizations and medical professionals with relevant expertise on mature women’s health and menopausal stages.