A Quebec senator is advocating for legislation to criminalize forced or coerced sterilizations after revealing her own experience with a surgical procedure that left her unable to have children. Senator Amina Gerba shared her story in the Senate earlier this month, emphasizing the need for a broader discussion on systemic racism in Canada.

In an emotional interview, Gerba explained that she was never informed by her doctor that her 2005 surgery would result in the removal of her uterus. "I never wanted to be seen as someone who played the victim. I always fought to move forward," she said. "But it was too hard to keep quiet."

Gerba underwent the procedure at a Montreal hospital to address severe menstrual pain and heavy bleeding. Initially, she was scheduled for an endometrial ablation, which is intended to alleviate heavy menstruation. Although pregnancy is still possible after such a procedure, it carries significant risks. After the surgery, Gerba experienced relief from her symptoms but was unaware that her uterus had been removed.

In 2016, during treatment for an unrelated issue, a doctor ordered a pelvic ultrasound and informed Gerba that she no longer had a uterus. "That's quite odd. Go see your gynecologist who did the (surgery) for endometriosis again, so he can tell you what he actually did," Gerba recalled the doctor saying. The gynecologist who performed the surgery had since retired, but hospital records confirmed the removal of her uterus.

Gerba expressed her shock at the revelation, stating that while she already had four children and was 44 at the time, she should have been warned about the procedure's implications. She chose not to disclose the names of the hospital or the gynecologist, as she is focused on addressing systemic issues rather than pursuing legal action.

Her experience led her to join the Senate's human-rights committee, which is studying legislation to criminalize coerced sterilization. Gerba noted that hearing testimonies from Indigenous women across Canada resonated with her own story. "It was when I listened to the witnesses that I realized that I was actually a victim of this," she said.

Gerba highlighted that many women, particularly Black women, have shared similar experiences. "It's a systemic problem that Indigenous people experience, that Black people experience, that disabled people experience because people think they're not able to look after themselves," she said.

During her Senate speech on October 1, Gerba addressed the issue of systemic racism, stating, "Systemic racism does not differentiate between educated and uneducated women, or wealthy and poor women. It affects all Indigenous and racialized women." Her colleagues responded with applause and support.

She also introduced the term "misogynoir," which describes the intersection of racism and misogyny faced by Black women. Gerba pointed out that many Black women report inadequate pain management during medical treatments, reflecting a troubling belief among some medical professionals.

Gerba referenced the case of Joyce Echaquan, an Indigenous woman who died in a Quebec hospital after livestreaming her pain while being subjected to derogatory comments by healthcare workers. Gerba expressed concern that she only learned about her hysterectomy because her current doctor is a Black woman, contrasting with the white male gynecologist who performed the surgery.

"Our health system has a serious problem of systemic racism, and that must be said. If we don't recognize an evil, we can't cure it," she stated. Gerba recounted a painful experience involving her daughter during labor, where medical staff failed to provide adequate pain relief.

Originally from Cameroon, Gerba has spent decades building businesses focused on fair-trade products from Africa. Since joining the Senate in 2021, she has worked to promote trade and investment opportunities between Canada and Africa. She emphasized her commitment to representing those without a voice and the importance of speaking out against injustices.

Gerba is urging the House of Commons to swiftly pass Bill S-228, which aims to criminalize coerced sterilization. The Senate passed a similar bill last year, but it did not advance due to parliamentary prorogation. "It's the system that I want to change. That's why I spoke out. This must become criminal," she said.

This report was first published on October 12, 2025.