CBC news reported on April 26, 2010 that Canada will not fund abortions in the G8 child and maternal health care plan initiatives for developing countries. The Tories are firm in their decision despite opposition from the U.S. and Britain.
No Abortion Funding
Beverly Oda, Minister of International Co-operation, said the Canadian government will not consider funding abortion. Oda told reporters in Halifax on Monday, “We're not debating abortion; we're clarifying family planning."
In an official statement released on April 27, 2010, Minister Oda stated, "I hope that my G8 colleagues will follow Canada's leadership in recognizing the importance of nutrition in both our food security strategy and in our efforts for healthier mothers and infants.”
Canadian initiatives to help mothers and children in developing countries include: treatment and prevention of diseases; better nutrition; screening and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases; family planning; proper medication; clean water; and sanitation.
Pro Lifers Denounce Hillary Clinton
Hillary Clinton, the U.S. Secretary of State, began her visit to Canada on Monday, March 29, 2010 in Ottawa. After a G8 foreign ministers meeting in Gatineau, Quebec, Clinton told reporters, “You cannot have maternal health without reproductive health. And reproductive health includes contraception and family planning and access to legal, safe abortion.”
Pro lifers denounced Clinton. LifeSiteNews.com reporter Patrick B. Craine quoted Mary Ellen Douglas’ (National Organizer for Campaign Life Coalition) reaction to Clinton’s comments, “How dare she stick her pro-abortion nose into Canadian politics. Hasn’t she done enough damage to the unborn in the U.S.?”
LifeSiteNews.com reported that Conservative Member of Parliament, Brad Trost, criticized Hillary Clinton for “pok[ing] her nose in areas that are not her business.” Trost stated “Canada can make up its own mind on what its policy is on maternal health care and how we define it.”
Right to Life Organizations Applaud Canada
Dana Cody, Attorney and Executive Director of the Life Legal Defense Foundation, agrees with Canada’s decision. “Women are victims of abortion as well and they deserve better. They never get over having an abortion and it goes against the maternal instinct.” She questions how people are busy protecting the environment, “but what about the unborn child’s environment?”
Paul Klotz, Executive Director of the Toronto Right to Life Association says, “Including abortion in the G-8 plan to improve maternal and child health would defeat the life-saving purpose of the initiative. We are all the same beings now that we were before birth- different in size, abilities, and appearance, but the same beings.”
Jeff Gunnarson, media contact for the Campaign Life Coalition, applauds Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Canada’s decision not to fund abortions in developing countries. In regards to Hillary Clinton’s statements he says, “As far as Hillary Clinton goes, this is only her opinion and her opinion does not represent all Americans.”
G8 Leaders' Summit
Canada is host to the G8 International Development Ministers meetings in Halifax April 26-28, 2010. Ministers responsible for international development from Russia, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, Britain, the E.U. and the U.S. will attend. These talks will contribute to the G8 Leaders’ Summit, to be hosted in Muskoka, Ontario, June 2010.
Sources:
C.B.C. News, No abortion in Canada's G8 maternal health plan (accessed April 27, 2010)
Life Site News, Clinton Blasted for Pushing Abortion in Canada’s G8 Maternal Health Plan (accessed April 27, 2010)
Interviews with Dana Cody, Paul Klotz and Paul Gunnarson conducted with writer on April 27, 2010.
Karen Stephenson - Karen has written for several newspapers and print media in addition to many online publications. She holds a B.A. in English and an ...
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