Canada’s universal, publicly funded healthcare system is widely celebrated, yet persistent disparities reveal it is neither truly universal nor equally accessible.
Indigenous populations—including First Nations, Inuit, and Métis—experience significantly poorer maternal and child health outcomes compared to non-Indigenous Canadians.
This gap reflects a broader global pattern of health inequities among Indigenous peoples.
Indigenous pregnant women in Canada face higher rates of harmful prenatal exposures, insufficient antenatal care, and adverse birth outcomes. These disparities may trigger biological changes, such as epigenetic reprogramming, that increase chronic disease risks across generations.
In this way, maternal-child health inequities contribute to the ongoing cycle of intergenerational trauma and oppression rooted in colonization.
Current initiatives aim to promote reproductive justice by decolonizing maternal-child healthcare and empowering Indigenous communities to reclaim childbirth practices.
These efforts recognize the resilience and strength of Indigenous women as they challenge colonial legacies and advocate for equitable health rights.
Addressing these systemic inequities is critical to breaking the cycle of disadvantage and improving health outcomes for Indigenous mothers and children in Canada.
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