Abstract

Achieving gender equity in clinical trials requires that women be included in sufficient numbers to carry out analysis, that sub-sample analyses be performed, and that results be communicated in such a way as to expand medical knowledge, inform policy decisions, and educate patients. In this article, we examine the extent to which Canada promotes gender equity through its laws and guidelines, viewed within the context of its drug safety system and its research ethics board structure. We analyze the structuring of information by the pharmaceutical industry and consider the impact of its promotional activities on the state of gender knowledge and health. In the final section, we propose ways to improve the structuring of health information to promote gender equity.