Message from the President – November 2024
Dear Members,
Bill C-64 received Royal Assent on Oct. 10, 2024, which includes a promise of universal access to free contraceptives. It’s something the SOGC can take great pride in after years of successful advocacy. Access to birth control is both a fundamental right and an important public health measure, allowing women to plan their lives, their families and their pregnancies. We now call on provincial and territorial governments to urgently work with the federal government on respective agreements. This is one example of how the SOGC advocates and lobbies for women, families and our members. I am proud of the role that I can play in advancing women’s health and I will continue advocating, lobbying and championing what is important for women’s health and our members throughout my presidential mandate.
I had the opportunity to attend the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) annual scientific meeting in October. I took away two things from this meeting that I think we can build upon within the SOGC. One is that RANZCOG develops clinical guidelines much the same as the SOGC; topics and areas covered are generally the same and they have the challenges in producing and reviewing all of the information required. After a productive meeting that Dr. Jocelynn Cook (Chief Scientific Officer) and I attended with the RANZCOG team, we concluded that we can work together on clinical guidelines moving forward. Second, the integration of Indigenous content, as well as marginalized and racialized groups, into the sessions and talks at the RANZCOG meeting, is evident. Moving forward, the SOGC can look to how to integrate more of the perspectives from Indigenous, racialized and marginalized group into our sessions.
Travelling home from Wellington, New Zealand, I attended the FMC in Quebec City. It was an honour for me to present at the FMC and connect with our francophone members and collaborate with the AOGQ. It is important to offer our meetings and content in both official languages and the input and membership of our francophone members strengthens the SOGC and the work we do.
From Nov. 28 to 30, the SOGC in association with the Ontario Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, will hold the 2024 CME program. I look forward to robust discussion on the issues affecting our specialty along with our subspecialties. It is important for us to meet, connect with colleagues and continue our learning. The ACSC in June, 2025 is in Whistler, British Columbia and I hope you will consider attending.
During the Ontario CME, we will develop a strategic plan for the next three years; please take time to complete the survey that has been sent to you. The SOGC exists because of our members, and we need to hear from you, so our mission, vision and values reflect what our members want and expect. As one of the focuses of my presidency is our members, I want to ensure we meet your needs and facilitate your involvement in the SOGC.
Lastly, the other focus for my presidency is perinatal and early pregnancy loss; this is something that I care deeply about. To highlight this topic, there will be a dedicated JOGC journal edition that is scheduled for publication in June, 2025. Authors are invited to submit original research, review articles, case studies and personal narratives for a special issue dedicated to the topic of perinatal, intrapartum and early neonatal loss. This special issue aims to explore the multifaceted experiences, challenges and implications surrounding pregnancy loss across the spectrum. Deadline for submission is Dec. 31, 2024.
As always, I look forward to feedback, thoughts and suggestions and can be reached at President@sogc.com.
Dr. Lynn Murphy-Kaulbeck
SOGC President