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Federal Conservatives should now focus on real problems facing women such as pay equity, affordable child care, legal aid and other measures to prevent violence. - James Clancy.
Ottawa (22 Dec. 2010) - Since 1987, there have been 34 attempts to draft a bill dealing with abortion. None have been passed by the Parliament of Canada.
Yet Conservative MP Rod Bruinooge, chair of the Pro-Life Caucus on Parliament Hill, introduced yet another bill to amend the Criminal Code and this time make it illegal to coerce a woman into having an abortion.
“It would have been more helpful if this bill focused on eliminating violence against women in general or if it had included all violence against women during pregnancy,” says James Clancy, national president of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE).
"But with his specific language, Mr. Bruinooge only revealed his political agenda.”
The Criminal Code already covers the issues raised by Bruinooge's private member's bill. In addition, most practitioners in the reproductive health care community - counselors, nurses and doctors - are all trained to obtain informed consent and to recognize signs of coercion.
Many providers feared that this bill could have been used to penalize those who counsel women about their reproductive choices, leading to frivolous charges, harassment and intimidation. They also believed the bill was part of a continuing effort to regulate abortion and ultimately make it illegal in Canada.
On Dec. 15, the bill (C-510) was defeated in the House of Commons after second reading by a vote of 178-97.
“If this government wants to improve the lives of women in this country, it should take a look at increasing funding for programs that prevent violence against women or ease the funding restrictions on research and advocacy in this area,” says Clancy.
“We are pleased to see the members of Parliament defeat this piece of legislation. Perhaps they can now turn their attention to more comprehensive solutions for women like pay equity, affordable child care, legal aid and other measures that will help women get out of violent situations.”
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE