An accusation for a forced or coerced sterilization of an Indigenous woman at the Moose Jaw hospital is drawing sharp condemnation, but also a commitment to seriously investigate the matter.
On Wednesday lawyer Alisa Lombard told a Senate Committee that her client referred to as “D.D.S.” was pressured into tubal ligation, moments prior to a cesarean section for the birth of her third child.
“D.D.S. noticed that a tubal ligation was also listed on the consent form at that time, which the doctor had not mentioned. He remained in her private space the entire time waiting for her to sign,” said Lombard. “She believed she had no choice but to sign. She knew nothing of the risks, nothing of the consequences and nothing of the other birth control options available to her, because the doctor never disclosed them.”
Lombard says the doctor who performed the procedure was and not her regular doctor, whom she only met two weeks prior.
“She needed a tubal ligation he said, as she was prepared to deliver the baby and have her spine punctured to administer the medication. D.D.S. believes this was the first time tubal ligation was raised to her. She wished to have more children, but nonetheless was sterilized immediately upon her new born baby entering the world,” Lombard testified.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority says it is investigating the accusation and is looking to improve its consent process and a provincial policy related to tubal ligation was needed beyond what had already occurred in the former Saskatoon Health Region.
“I was extremely surprised, I’m concerned and I want to see what that investigation says,” Health Minister Jim Reiter said Thursday.
Lombard said D.D.S. began investigating possible reversal procedures even before leaving the hospital. She says her client continues to be traumatized by what happened.
The Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations is reacting sternly to the allegations as Vice-Chief Heather says health care professionals should be held criminally responsible for their actions.
“I am repulsed and disgusted by this practice. I’ve been advocating for criminalization. We need to make these health care givers responsible and accountable. I think the only way we can really do that is to criminalize such a horrific act,” Bear explained. “How can a human being treat another human being, take away their birth right and playing god. That’s simply wrong. It should not happen.”
Bear says there is a lawsuit before the courts regarding sterilizations.
Reiter says he is unaware if the RCMP is investigating the latest allegation.
(Photo: Moose Jaw hospital. Courtesy of the Five Hills Health Region.)