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#Abortion became illegal in Canada when we adopted the Criminal Code from the British (which they never implemented). This happened in 1892. Contraceptives were also prohibited. Regardless of the law, people still had abortions. #cdnpoli
In 1969, Pierre Trudeau’s gov’t allowed abortions within a hospital only if a committee of doctors determined that the pregnancy threatened the life or health of the pregnant person. Access varied. (Language was not gender neutral, adapted for this account).
In that same year Dr Morgentaler opens an abortion clinic. He is charged under the CCC in 1970.
1970, May, demonstrations begin in favour of abortion rights. By 1973, Dr Morgentaler is acquitted in Quebec. In 1974, the decision is overturned. Dr Morgentaler appeals to the SCC. In ‘75, he starts serving a jail sentence bc his appeal is rejected by the SCC.
In May of ‘75 a petition AGAINST abortion rights is delivered to Parliament with 1 million signatures. In January of 1976, the Federal Justice Minister orders a retrial for Morgentaler and he is released from jail. He is acquitted for original charges and all charges are dropped
1982: enter the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
1983, Morgentaler’s clinic in Toronto is raided and he is charged. A Gallup poll shows that 72% of Canadians believe the decision to abort should be in the hands of the pregnant person and their doctor. Basically, 72% in ‘83 trusted women to make their own decisions. Choice.
In 1984, Ontario acquits Morgentaler. In 1985 his Winnipeg clinic is raided and he is charged. Ontario orders a retrial.
1988, the SCC FINALLY strikes down Canada’s abortion laws as unconstitutional. They violated the Charter (specifically, Section 7 life, liberty, and security of the person). Forcing a person to carry to term violates this right and bodily autonomy.
Abortion becomes treated like any other medical procedure and is governed by provincial and medical regulations.
In 1989, the SCC refuses to rule on Borowski’s case which argued that a fetus has a right to life. SCC said case was moot since the abortion laws were struck down.
1989, SCC rules that a man has no legal right to veto a woman’s abortion decision. (Bc two asshole men tried to block their ex-gf’s from having an abortion. You know, tried to control them and force them to be pregnant and give birth).
Later the same year, Nova Scotia bans abortions in clinics outside of hospitals. In 1990 the Mulroney gov’t introduces Bill C-43 which would criminalize doctors who perform abortions where a women’s health isn’t at risk. This bill dies in the senate. (Good riddance).
In 1992, Morgentaler’s Toronto clinic is firebombed. Cause anti-abortionists support...life? Reminder: we say anti-abortionists because pro-life is a misnomer. Also: terrorism had always existed in Canada and its homegrown.
1994, NB goes the way of Nova Scotia and bans abortions in clinics outside of hospitals. This affects ACCESS. And STILL does. Think of the number of hospitals in NB and where they are located. Abortion is a SIMPLE medical procedure most of time.
November 1994, Dr Garson Romalis is the first Cnd doctor shot for performing abortions. Two more similar shootings in 1995 and 1996. The anti-abortion movement has NEVER been about life. It has always been about fear and control.
1995, federal rulings determine that Nova Scotia and NB have to allow private abortion clinics. At this time, some provinces cover the costs of abortions in clinics, others do not.
May 2006, Dr Everett Chalmers hospital in Fredericton NB (last hospital in NB to perform publicly funded abortions) will stop abortion service bc of workload. NB is the ONLY province to refuse to cover clinic abortions following the SCC ‘88 ruling.
March ‘07, Ken Epp introduces bill for seperate offence of slaying fetus. Title: The Unborn Victims of Crime Act. (Note: anything using “unborn” instead of fetus is anti-abortion garbage in disguise.) this bill dies. Reminder, Harper voted for this bill. Bc Harper is trash.
July ‘08, Morgentaler received order of Canada. Anti-abortionists throw a fit.
August ‘08, another conservative (Harper’s Justice Minister) tries a bill for fetal consideration in sentencing when victim is pregnant. An election is called, unrelated to the bill.
May ‘09, NB Court of Appeal determines that Morgentaler can sue the provincial gov’t for not covering cost of clinic abortions. (The prov gov’t asked the court to block the lawsuit).
Source: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/abortion-rights-significant-moments-in-canadian-history-1.787212
NB, A province that refuses to fund abortions at clinics, where only three hospitals cover abortions, a province where politicians refuse to fix this issue. Don’t let them fool you. Liberal and Conservative governments could have fixed this issue. They just avoid it.
At best, these politicians are cowards. At worst, they’re misogynists who don’t trust women (& pregnant folks) to make decisions about their health & families. Politicians need to do better. They need to #saveclinic554. This isn’t a new issue. This fight has existed for decades.
It is worth mentioning that #clinic554 ALSO provides care to trans and queer folks including HRT, counselling, safe examinations, pre and post surgical care, and HIV Care. This clinic saves lives. It is essential.
