Released on September 13, 2007
The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission announced today the settlement of a complaint involving St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Humboldt.
The complaint was lodged by Leann Gunther when she was denied access to a tubal ligation by the hospital which is owned by the Saskatchewan Catholic Health Corporation. In June 2006, the hospital's Board of Directors adopted a policy of disallowing tubal ligations to bring its operations in line with Catholic teachings.
In her complaint, Gunther alleged that the hospital discriminated against her on the basis of her gender and religion by denying her a public service. In settling the complaint, Gunther agreed to accept $7,875 as compensation from the health corporation.
"I am very pleased that we were able to settle this complaint, both for myself and for the women of Humboldt and surrounding area," Gunther said. "We have a right to equal services regardless of our gender or religious beliefs."
Access to tubal ligations will no longer be an issue when St. Elizabeth's Hospital's governance and operations are transferred to the Saskatoon Health Region by the end of 2007. Planning for a new public hospital, to be called the Humboldt District Health Complex, is underway.
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For more information, contact:
Genevieve Leslie
Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-933-5952