WATCH: Ontario cut Maria’s healthcare coverage days before giving birth

Maria is a migrant who worked as a cleaner during the pandemic. She faced a high-risk pregnancy because of a brain tumor. Just days before her scheduled C-section, Ontario cut the Physician and Hospital Services for Uninsured Program (PHSUP) that would have covered her care. She was forced to pay $500 upfront just to give birth and has been unable to access the follow-up care she urgently needed for her tumor and her postpartum health. Maria’s story highlights a growing crisis: uninsured people are forced to delay care, leading to serious conditions and worse outcomes.

The Ontario Medical Association is now proposing to the province that doctors get paid when treating uninsured patients needing medically necessary care. This is welcome news and winning it will be a crucial first step toward a truly universal healthcare system where no one is denied care because of their immigration status. However, we are asking the Ford government: How many people like Maria will have risky pregnancies without access to healthcare? Now is the time to act and tell the province we need healthcare for all.

Watch Maria’s story and share it widely:

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If you are part of a professional association, union, or other organization, please get in touch with us if you can help share Maria’s story through your organization.

If you haven't already, sign and share the petition.