88.11PU Update of Policy Regarding: Reproductive Rights
Whereas, The Government of Canada has agreed to, and signed, the recommendations of the ‘Forward Looking Strategies of the World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the United Decade for Women: Equality, Development and Peace’; and,
Whereas, The National Council of Women of Canada has petitioned the Government of Canada since 1972 to remove the sections pertaining to abortion from the Criminal Code: abortion is a matter of personal, rather than public morality; abortion should be considered a medical, not a legal procedure; and,
Whereas, On January 28, 1988, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that section 251 of the Criminal Code limiting abortions violated the constitutional rights of women; and,
Whereas, The Government of Canada is currently reviewing this issue; therefore be it,
RESOLVED, That The National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada:
- To uphold the January 28, 1988 ruling of the Supreme Court of Canada;
- To ensure that abortion is considered a medical rather than a legal procedure by having any legislation concerning abortion remain outside the Criminal Code;
- To show leadership and commitment through increased financial support to family planning organizations working to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
The Salvation Army abstained from voting on this updating and asked that their abstention be noted in NCWC records and in speaking to the issue.