NDP defends women’s right to choose

The party urges all parliamentarians to reject Conservative motion to reopen abortion debate

In advance of this Wednesday’s vote on the Conservative motion to reopen the abortion debate, New Democrats reiterated their commitment to protect women’s right to choose, as well as their right to accessible and safe abortion services.

“The NDP is the only party that will vote unanimously against the Conservative motion,” said NDP Status of Women Critic Niki Ashton (Churchill). “Canadians fought with determination and courage for the right to abortion and we must respect this important victory.”

After Stephen Harper promised not to reopen the abortion debate, a Conservative MP, Stephen Woodworth, presented a motion to review the legal definition of human being.

“The Supreme Court clearly determined that limiting access to abortion would be unconstitutional,” said Ashton. “Abortion must remain a decision between a woman and her physician, without outside interference.”

“When it comes to gender equality, this government has a dismal record, whether it’s pay equity, international development aid or access to EI,” added New Democrat Justice Critic Françoise Boivin (Gatineau). “This motion would roll back women’s rights and we urge all parliamentarians to vote against it.”