Thank-You Morgentaler!

January 28th marks the 20th anniversary of legal abortion in Canada.

On January 28, 1988 the Supreme Court of Canada, In the decision R. v. Morgentaler, found the regulation of abortion in the Criminal Code to be un-constitutional, as it violated a women’s right under section 7 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to security of the person.

Prior to 1988 a woman was required to speak to a panel of doctors explaining the reasons why she wished to obtain an abortion. The panel of doctors determined whether or not the abortion would be performed.

It seems unbelievable that less than 25 years ago women in Canada were dying due to unsafe and illegal abortions. Today we are living in a time where our reproductive rights are being threatened once again. With an increase in anti-choice groups and attempts to pass anti-choice policies and legislation groups like Canadian Youth for Choice are essential to stand-up for sexual and reproductive rights for all youth.

Why is it that anti-choice sentiments are continuing to spread across Canada ? Is it because the majority of Canadian youth have never had to worry about things like accessing things like contraceptives, abortion services, STI tests? Or is it because Canadian youth do not believe our rights are in danger?

ABORTION FYI
•Canada still does not have abortion legislation
•PEI remains the only province not providing abortion services
•Access to abortion services have decreased by 1.7% from 2003-2006
•53% of all Canadian women that obtain abortions are in their 20’s

Morgentaler Decision Anniversary in the News:

Morgentaler's monumental battle worthy of Order of Canada
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080131.LPICARD31//TPS...