Message from the President – February 2025

As we settle into the deep days of winter, it’s clear that the start of 2025 has brought significant challenges. Across the border in the United States, vulnerable groups face deportation risks, women’s reproductive and sexual health rights are being restricted, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies are under threat. The rise of misinformation has further complicated navigating the information we encounter online. 

Canada is not immune to these challenges. A recent article in The Globe and Mail highlighted how today’s political climate is contributing to heightened stress and anxiety among Canadians (1). Readers used words such as “scared,” “angry,” “fatigued” and “worried” to describe how political upheaval — both at home and abroad — is impacting them (1). World events continue to intensify these feelings of uncertainty and concern. 

In Alberta, a recent Covid-19 Task Force report has drawn criticism from physicians, the Alberta Medical Association, and other organizations like the CMA. These groups argue the report contains dangerous misinformation, posing risks to public health. As physicians, combating misinformation has become a growing challenge in our daily work and when a government promotes misinformation and anti-science, this undermines the work that we do. Nevertheless, it is imperative that we continue to counter falsehoods with science-based, evidence-driven information. At the SOGC, we are committed to ensuring timely and accurate information reaches the public, particularly regarding women’s reproductive and sexual health. Advocacy for women’s health and rights remains central to our mission, and we will persist in lobbying for improvements to the lives of women and vulnerable groups. 

Mark your calendars! SRH Week is February 10–14, 2025. This annual campaign aims to raise awareness of sexual and reproductive health and provide resources to improve community well-being across Canada. The SOGC will be actively engaged in media outreach throughout the week to amplify these efforts. 

February is Black History Month. February is also an opportunity to honour the achievements and diversity of Black communities across Canada, including the vital contributions of Black physicians. However, it is equally important to reflect on the systemic barriers, racism and discrimination that Black Canadians continue to face in their daily lives. The SOGC is currently developing an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Anti-Racism (EDIAA) policy, spearheaded by Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass. This policy will serve to strengthen our organization and ensure our work is consistently guided by EDIAA principles. 

As we continue to navigate these challenging times, I encourage you to take moments to disconnect, recharge and spend time with your loved ones. Maintaining our own well-being is essential as we work toward advancing sexual and reproductive health and equity in our communities. 

I welcome your feedback, thoughts and suggestions. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime at President@sogc.com. 

Dr. Lynn Murphy-Kaulbeck  
SOGC President 

1. MacDonald, G. (2025, January 21). Experiencing political anxiety? You’re not alone. Here are 4 ways to cope. Globe and Mail. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/article-experiencing-political-anxiety-youre-not-alone-here-are-4-ways-to-cope/