Media Release, January 28, 2013
A woman’s right to choose must be protected
New Democrats celebrate Dr. Morgentaler’s legacy
OTTAWA – On the 25th anniversary of the landmark R. v. Morgentaler Supreme Court decision, New Democrats are reaffirming a deep commitment to protect women’s right to choose.
“Twenty-five years ago the Supreme Court decision defended a woman’s right to choose. New Democrats then and now are proud to have been a part of the fight for women’s reproductive rights,” said NDP Status of Women critic Niki Ashton (Churchill). “Canadians fought with determination and courage so that women will have a right to choose and we will not go backward.”
The NDP remains the only party in Parliament unanimously in favour of respecting a woman’s right to choose. Conservatives have repeatedly tried to subvert the Supreme Court ruling. Since 2006, Conservative Members of Parliament have introduced five regressive legislative initiatives attacking a woman’s right to choose. The most recent attack was in the form of Motion 312 that was supported by high profile Conservative Members of Parliament including the Minister for the Status of Women, Rona Ambrose.
“New Democrats will vote against any legislation that seeks to diminish women’s right to choose,” said NDP MP Marie-Claude Morin (Saint-Hyacinthe – Bagot). “We will continue to work to ensure that women’s rights, including reproductive rights are respected.”
