A member of parliament from provincial Alberta went live on Facebook on Friday to celebrate a vote by the United States Supreme Court to lift constitutional protection for abortion.
Rowe’s repeal of Wade on Friday is expected to lead to abortion bans in about half of the United States.
Arnold Virsen, who represents Peace River-Westlock for the Conservative Party of Canada, titled his video “History in the making!”
“This is something I know a lot of people have been praying for for a very long time, Roe’s repeal against Wade,” Virsen said.
“The movement for life in the United States has been working hard on this for generations and it’s so nice to win.”
The MP called abortion in Canada “the greatest human rights tragedy of our time.”
“Three hundred babies die every day in Canada, and that’s something that’s a terrible human rights tragedy,” he said.
“People are forced to have abortions. There should be no forced abortions in this country.”
Virsen’s comments are likely to be controversial in his own party. On Friday, two men running for CPC leaders reacted very differently.
“I am concerned about the cancellation of Roe Vs Wade. Although I acknowledge that there are strong beliefs on this issue, reproductive rights in Canada are non-negotiable, “tweeted candidate Jean Charest.
“I am disappointed with the repeal of Roe Vs Wade. Canadians have strong convictions on this issue, but reproductive rights in Canada will not be reviewed by any government I lead,” candidate Patrick Brown wrote on Twitter.
Another Conservative MP and candidate for leader, Dr. Leslin Lewis, tweeted promises to ban gender-based abortions and “forced” abortions, while encouraging respectful debate on the issue.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the ruling “appalling” and vowed to “always stand up for (the woman’s) right to choose”.
Virsen said he would be “alert” to liberal legislation confirming the legality of abortions in Canada.
With files from the Associated Press
Add Comment