Abortion access in Canada needs to be equalized, says health minister

The federalhealth minister says the newTrudeau government will look for ways to equalize access toabortion services, which are "patchy" in Canada.

"We know that abortion services remain patchy in parts of the country, and that rural women in particular face barriers to access," said JanePhilpott in a statement, in response to an inquiry fromCBC News.

"Our government will examine ways to better equalize access for all Canadian women."

No further details on the government's plans were provided.

P.E.I. is the only province that does not provide abortion services. It does pay for abortions performed in a hospital out of province.

The Liberal Party passed a resolution in 2012, when the Conservatives were in power, that said the federal government should financially penalize provinces that do not provide abortion services.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau namedPhilpott, a family physician who became an OntarioMP, as health minister after the Oct. 19 federal election.