Supporting women’s sexual and reproductive health with better data

Why is sexual and reproductive health important? According to the World Health Organization, it is “fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families, and to the social and economic development of communities and countries.”

In other words, it’s about well-being—not merely the absence of disease—from the young to the elderly, through diversity of expression, gender norms, roles, expectations and power dynamics.

Also important is the need for quality data to guide research and policy. Until recently, however, there has been a patchwork of data that may not properly reflect what is needed on a national level. A new survey will help fill this data gap.

New survey launched today

The Canadian Sexual and Reproductive Health Survey (CSRHS) launched today, with the goal of collecting information from women aged 18 to 49 years.

Topics in the questionnaire include menstruation, sexual health and behaviours, birth control, pregnancy intentions, as well as access and barriers to care for miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy and abortion. The survey also collects information about access to care providers and to gynaecological surgeries and procedures.

Engagement process reveals specific data needs

Findings from the “What We Heard” report from the Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative, released in February 2024, sought feedback from a wide range of participants. These included federal partners, non-governmental stakeholders, care providers, academia, organizations such as advocacy groups, and individual data users.

Importantly, this feedback—which is comprehensive, detailed and covers many aspects of sexual and reproductive health—was valuable in developing the new survey’s questions and in ensuring the relevancy of the initiative.

Chosen to participate? You can make a difference

If you have been chosen to participate in the CSRHS, please do—the data collected will help better inform programs and policies.

Participants can visit our Information for survey participants and Trust Centre pages for more information on how we are conducting the survey while keeping personal and business information secure.