In a historic vote on Monday,Canada’s House of Commons passed legislation that makes forced or coerced sterilization an aggravated assault punishable by up to 14 years in prison. the move follows years of advocacy by survivors and Indigenous rights groups who have highlighted the disproportionate impact on First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

15,000 Indigenous Victims Estimated Since the 1890s

According to the Survivors Circle for Reproductive Justice, as many as 15,000 Indigenous people have been sterilized without consent since the 1890s, with some cases occurring as recently as last year. The law directly addresses this historical trauma by classifying the procedure as a form of aggravated assault under the Criminal Code . The bill’s passage is seen as a formal acknowledgment of the eugenic policies that targeted Indigenous women for decades.

Survivors Gathered in Ottawa, Emotions Run High

Survivors, including Nicole Rabbit who was 28 when she was sterilized, gathered in the House of Commons to witness the vote. “It was like they heard us. They listened,” Rabbit said, tears of joy and sadness mingilng. The emotional response underscored the personal stakes for those who endured the procedure and the broader community impact.

Physician Groups Warn About Emergency‑Care Anxiety

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada opposed the bill, arguing it could create anxiety among doctors when treating patients in emergency situations. co‑chair Claudette Dumont‑Smith countered that life‑saving measures are not considered assault and will not be penalized. The debate highlights the tension betweeen protecting patient rights and ensuring medical practitioners can act decisively in crises.

Royal Assent Still Pending, but Momentum Builds

Introduced in the Senate last year by Senator Yvonne Boyer,a Métis lawyer and Indigenous health rights expert, the bill now awaits royal assent to become law. Survivors and allies hope the legislation will lead to greater accountability and prevent future violations. The Survivors Circle is also pushing for mandatory cultural safety training for healthcare providers and improved oversight of medical procedures.

According to the report, the new law sends a clear message that forced sterilization will no longer be tolerated and provides a legal framework for survivors to seek justice. However, many survivors emphasize that the law is just one part of a larger struggle to address systemic racism in healthcare and to ensure all patients receive respectful and equitable treatment.