Image Courtesy Facebook/Rachel Notley

By Canadian Press

NDP says UCP refuses to guarantee reproductive rights and denies debate in legislature

May 4, 2022 | 8:49 AM

EDMONTON – Alberta’s Opposition NDP leader says the renewed abortion rights fight in the United States is a “dark, dark day” for women’s reproductive rights.

Rachel Notley called on Premier Jason Kenney in the legislature to affirm his government’s commitment to a woman’s right to choose.

Kenney, however, says the issue remains hypothetical and is out of Alberta’s jurisdiction.

He says Notley is trying to stir up controversy where none exists.

They were responding to a leaked draft decision indicating the U.S. Supreme Court is considering overturning a 50-year-old landmark decision guaranteeing the right to an abortion.

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Notley says while abortion remains decriminalized in Canada, access and barriers still exist, particularly for women living outside of major urban centres.

She noted that in Alberta, abortion clinics exist only in Edmonton and Calgary.

READ MORE: Liberals looking at Canada Health Act to ensure abortion right protected: Trudeau

In Saskatchewan, Premier Scott Moe didn’t respond to the NDP Opposition’s call to reaffirm abortion rights.

NDP justice critic Nicole Sarauer asked the premier in the legislature to clarify the Saskatchewan Party government’s stance on abortion.

Minister for the Status of Women Laura Ross rose instead to say women in Canada have the right to choose and barriers don’t exist for anyone wanting an abortion.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 3, 2022.

The Canadian Press