NDP defends Women’s right to choose

Our party and caucus’ stance is unequivocal

New Democrat MP Niki Ashton (Churchill) tabled a motion in the House of Commons today in order to clearly establish the right of women to choose what they do with their bodies.

“The NDP is a pro-choice party. Each and every one of my colleagues agrees – women should have the right to make their own decisions in matters of health. Our position is clear and unequivocal, and this is an opportunity for other Parliamentarians to take a stand,” said Ashton.

The motion:

That in the opinion of the House,

a) a woman's right to choose abortion is a fundamental question of equality and human rights, both in Canada and around the world;

b) the key priorities of the government during the upcoming international summit on child and maternal health on May 28-30, 2014 should include empowering women globally, promoting gender equality and supporting reproductive health care including the full range of family planning, sexual and reproductive health options; and,

c) the government should lift its policy of refusing to fund international programs that support a full range of family planning and reproductive health care options including abortion.