Montreal, Quebec--November 2, 2011--Many women present financial limitations as their main reason for having an abortion. For example, surveys by the Alan Guttmacher Institute found that feeling financially unprepared constitutes one of the top-two reasons American women abort a pregnancy [1]. Since material resources can factor so strongly into a woman's decision to have an abortion, becoming aware of the resources available in one's own region is imperative.
In Montreal, food banks (banques alimentaires) make groceries accessible to people with low-incomes, but there are also programs run out of local community centers specifically aimed at low-income pregnant mothers. For example, the Oeufs, Lait et Jus D'Orange (OLO) program provides low-income women, who are at least twenty weeks pregnant, with 1 egg, 1 litre of milk, 1 serving of orange juice, and vitamin and mineral supplements on a daily basis free of charge [2]. The OLO program's choice of foods provides mothers with essential nutrients, such as absorbable protein and vitamins B2, D, and C [3].
In addition, the province of Quebec offers programs for low-income families, including benefits reserved for pregnant mothers. Quebec's shelter allowance program gives up to $80 per month to help support low-income households, which meet certain requirements, such as having one dependent child[4]. While children attend school, Quebec offers support for back-to-school costs. During the nursing stage, the province supplies nursing and formula allowances, depending on the mother's preference. Even during a pregnancy, women may receive a specialized monthly benefit. The province also gears one of their benefits toward pregnant minors [5]. From prior to birth until adulthood, Quebec has programs to financially help developing children and their mothers.
Although, these programs supplement, rather than supply, living costs, women should become acquainted with them in order to make informed appraisals of the resources at their disposal. Some women may have more than they think.
Further Reading
For details on financial services and child tax benefits offered by Quebec, visit http://www.mess.gouv.qc.ca/thematiques/aide-financiere/index_en.asp
For more information on food banks, see http://www.banquesalimentaires.org/
Also be sure to check out local community service centers for information on their services.
Sources
1. Finer, Lawrence B., et al. "Reasons U.S. Women Have Abortions: Quantitative and Qualitative Perspectives," Guttmacher Institute. 37.3 (2005). Web. 29 Oct. 2011
2. "OLO program (nutritional aid for pregnant women)," Services Québec. 4 Oct. 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2011.
3. "OLO program"
4. "Shelter Allowance Program," Société d'habitation. 23 Aug. 2011. Web. 29. Oct. 2011.
5. "Financial Assistance," Emploi et de la Solidarité sociale. 2011. Web. 29 Oct. 2011.
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