“Birth alerts” were a controversial practice in several Canadian provinces that allowed hospitals and child-welfare agencies to flag pregnant patients they deemed to be high-risk without their knowledge or consent. They were in place until as recently as 2023 in Quebec.

Last week, a proposed settlement worth $66-million was reached in a class action lawsuit over British Columbia’s use of birth alerts. Across the country, several other class actions are underway.

Andrea Woo is a staff reporter for the Globe, based in Vancouver. She’s on the show to explain the effects of birth alerts on mothers and the significance of the B.C. class action suit.

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