(Michelle Cyca/ Chatelaine) — On June 24, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, a nearly 50-year-old landmark ruling that affirmed pregnant people have a constitutionally protected right to access abortion without government interference. This decision will have disastrous effects for people who need abortions in the States, effectively eliminating access to this health care procedure in many parts of the country.
As Americans brace for a rollback of reproductive rights, many Canadians are worrying that the same thing could happen here. How secure is access to abortion in Canada?
Historically, Canadian politicians have avoided discussing abortion, which is widely supported by Canadians across party lines. Former Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer lost support when he came out as personally anti-abortion in 2019, despite vowing not to “re-open the abortion debate,” and resigned as party leader shortly after losing the federal election that same year. (…)