Laura Wershler

Sexual Health Access Alberta

Laura Wershler is a veteran sexual and reproductive health advocate. She served 10 years on the board of Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada (now Canadian Federation for Sexual Health) and currently is the Executive Director of Sexual Health Access Alberta. This non-profit organization facilitates access to sexual and reproductive health information, education and services.

Laura has written extensively on issues relating to sexuality, birth control, and abortion. Her paper entitled "Depo-Provera: Does this contraceptive Choice Support the Health and Well-Being of Adolescents and Young Women?" appeared in the Fall 2004 (Volume 24, Number 1) issue of Canadian Woman Studies. She is a member of the Society for Menstrual Cycle Research and contributed to SMCR’s updated position statement on menstrual suppression. Laura considers this to be the most complex, compelling and ignored issue in women's health today. She challenges other pro-choice organizations and advocates to explore the health and social implications of sending the message that cycle-stopping contraceptives are just another “choice” for women.

To Bleed or Not to Bleed

Laura Wershler offers an alternative perspective on menstrual suppression and argues for more research and education on cycle-stopping contraceptives like Lybrel.