· Eight in 10 Canadians (81%) support the right to abortion
· Two thirds of Canadians (65%) agree Canada should play a leading role globally in protecting the right to abortion
· Eight in 10 Canadians (83%) agree that everyone around the world should have access to the same reproductive healthcare and rights, regardless of where they live.
· Seven in 10 Canadians (71%) agree that Canada should continue to invest in building a healthier and safer world.
· Seven in 10 Canadians (71%) agree they feel proud that Canada supports the right to abortion and other reproductive healthcare around the world.
OTTAWA, [24th September 2026] New polling reveals that Canadians overwhelmingly support abortion rights and want Canada to play a leading role in advancing sexual and reproductive healthcare around the world.
The findings commissioned by Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights and MSI Reproductive Choices, and calculated by Abacus Data, show that more than eight in 10 Canadians believe women should have the right to an abortion (81%)[i]. That support extends beyond Canada’s borders: more than eight in 10 Canadians (83%) believe everyone around the world should have access to the same reproductive healthcare and rights, regardless of where they live[ii].
And Canadians want their country to act on that belief. Two-thirds (65%) say Canada should play a leading role globally in protecting the right to abortion, while seven in 10 (71%) believe Canada should continue to invest in building a healthier and safer world.
The findings also suggest that Canada’s international role is a source of national pride, with 71% saying they feel proud that Canada supports the right to abortion and other reproductive healthcare around the world[iv].
With progress on sexual and reproductive rights under growing pressure globally, Action Canada and MSI say Canada has an opportunity to remain a steady, values-driven partner for global health. Maintaining Canada’s 10-Year Commitment to Global Health and Rights will be critical to sustaining Canada’s global impact and ensuring reproductive choice remains within reach for future generations.
As Canada considers the future of its international assistance, Canadians are signalling that sexual and reproductive health and rights should remain an important part of Canada's contribution to a healthier, safer and more equal world.
Support for abortion rights crosses political divides
The polling also finds broad support across Canada’s political spectrum.
While support is highest among Liberal and NDP voters, the majority of Conservative voters backed every measure tested, with support ranging from 51%[v] to 73%[vi]. This includes support for Canada playing a leading role in protecting abortion rights, supported by 51% of Conservative voters, 74% of LPC voters and 83% of NDP voters[vii].
Meghan Doherty, Director of Policy and Advocacy at Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, said:
“Canadians are clear: abortion is a right, and where you live should not determine whether you can access the healthcare you need. This polling shows that Canadians don’t just support abortion rights at home — they want Canada to stand up for them around the world.
“Canada has a long history of supporting sexual and reproductive health and rights globally, and that leadership has helped transform lives, strengthen health systems and advance gender equality. At a time when these rights are under growing pressure, Canadians are telling their government that stepping back is not an option. Canada should use its voice, influence and resources to defend reproductive freedom and ensure everyone, everywhere can make decisions about their own bodies and futures.”
Patrick Kinemo, MSI Tanzania’s country director, said:
"“Canada’s investment in sexual and reproductive health has made a real difference to women and girls in Tanzania and in countries around the world. I’ve seen first-hand how that support helps people access contraception, make decisions about their own bodies and futures, and build healthier lives.
“Canada has also been a strong global voice for bodily autonomy, gender equality and reproductive rights. We are delighted to be launching MSI Canada this September, further strengthening support for sexual and reproductive healthcare at a time when these rights are facing growing challenges. We call on Canada to maintain its commitment to global health and rights and continue to champion reproductive choice for people wherever they live.”
-Ends-
Notes to Editors [KH6] [EW7]
For interviews and further information please contact:
Quinn Lazenby at media@actioncanadashr.org, or call 613-241-4474 x 13200
Kylie Harrison and Grace Dunne at press@msichoices.org, or call +44 7769 166 516.
About Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights
Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights is a leading Canadian voice for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), advancing a world where everyone can make decisions about their bodies and lives and access the care they need free from stigma, discrimination, and violence. Through advocacy, movement-building, and collaboration with partners in Canada and around the world, we work to strengthen SRHR policies and systems, amplify the leadership of communities most affected by injustice, and advance a more just, equitable, and inclusive world.
About MSI Reproductive Choices
As a world-leading provider of contraception and abortion, MSI Reproductive Choices supports tens of thousands of women and girls every day with their health and choices. Our 9000 team members – rooted in their local communities across six continents – bring reproductive healthcare to people in remote places who’ve never had access before, unlocking opportunities for women and girls. We collaborate with governments and partners to build quality care for the long term and we boldly advocate to expand reproductive rights.
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from Abacus Data. The total sample size was 2,036 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 21st-26th August 2026. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region.
[i] Respondents were asked: Generally speaking, do you think that women should have the right to an abortion?
[ii] Respondents were asked: Do you agree or disagree with the following: Everyone around the world should have access to the same reproductive healthcare and rights, regardless of where they live.
[iii] Respondents were asked: Generally speaking, do you think that women should have the right to an abortion?
[iv] Respondents were asked: Do you agree or disagree with the following: I feel proud that Canada supports the right to abortion and other reproductive healthcare around the world.
[v] Respondents were asked: As some countries introduce restrictions on reproductive rights, do you agree or disagree with the following: Canada should play a leading role globally in protecting the right to abortion.
[vi] Respondents were asked: Do you agree or disagree with the following: Everyone around the world should have access to the same reproductive healthcare and rights, regardless of where they
live.
[vii] Respondents were asked: As some countries introduce restrictions on reproductive rights, do you agree or disagree with the following: Canada should play a leading role globally in protecting the right to abortion.