Abortion an important component of maternal health initiative

OTTAWA -- Canada is once again embarrassed on the world stage as the Conservative government refuses to provide access to safe abortion as part of the G8 maternal health initiative. It will now be difficult for the G8 to move forward as a union to reduce the suffering of mothers and children in developing countries.

The United States, Britain, France and other G8 members were taken aback when Canada announced this decision at a Halifax meeting of aid ministers.

“We know that about half a million women die every year in developing countries because of unwanted pregnancy complications and the number grows when you include botched abortions,” said Green Status of Women Critic Debborah Donnelly.  “Abortion should be part of our development commitments abroad. It is an important part of reducing maternal and child mortality.”

The Harper government had initially also refused to fund family planning and access to contraception before flip flopping on the issue.

“We should be focusing on the goal of reducing poverty and bettering the lives of women and children in developing countries,” said Green Leader Elizabeth May. “The Harper government is inserting its ideology and by doing so is slowing progress on these important goals.  We urge the Prime Minister to reconsider his decision to exclude abortion from the maternal health initiative.” 

Click here to view video of press conference.

Contact Information:
Debra Eindiguer
Press Secretary
C: 613.240.8921
media@greenparty.ca