In 1988, abortion was decriminalised in Canada as a result of the landmark case R vs Morgentaler, which saw the abortion provision in the Criminal Code being overturned as it had been ruled constitutional. Since this landmark case occurred, despite many promises to do so, no legislation has been passed to legally protect abortion rights in Canada. 

On May 3rd, a draft U.S Supreme Court opinion that would see the overturning of the Roe vs Wade decision, which yielded the legalisation of abortion in the United States, was leaked. If successful, 23 states, including Texas and Alabama, would immediately criminalise abortion. This would lead to many women having to travel to other states where abortion is not criminalised, or even to Canada to access abortion services. 

While this is an issue taking place in the United States, if the overturning of Roe vs Wade is successful, the consequences will inevitably trickle into Canadian politics. Despite many promises from the federal government to further protect abortion rights, no such legislation has been passed. Without such legislation, we in Canada could potentially face a similar crisis to that seen in the United States. 

With this in mind, I am calling on the federal government to take the necessary steps to enshrine abortion rights into federal law. This would consist of amending both the Charter of Rights and Freedoms as well as the Canada Health Act. Further, the federal government must ensure that all provinces comply with new federal laws protecting abortion rights. 

By signing this petition, not only will you be standing against the U.S Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the ruling on the Roe vs Wade case, which led to the nationwide protection of abortion rights in the U.S, but you will be helping in sending a clear message to the Canadian government that such a crisis cannot happen here, and the necessary steps must be taken to ensure the legal protection of abortion rights. Further, signing this petition means that you stand with the women of your life — your mother, your sister, your girlfriend, your female classmates, teachers, and coworkers — who could be at risk of losing their bodily autonomy and their ability to access a safe abortion.