In our last issue, we reported that Henry Morgentaler had told reporters he had “ethical problems” with doing abortions after 24 weeks gestation, and that if a woman that far along in her pregnancy came to one of his clinics, the staff would counsel her to continue with the pregnancy and place the child for adoption. I contacted PPFC’s executive director, Linda Capperauld, to see if PPFC agreed with Morgentaler’s views. In a November 12 email to me she wrote: “PPFC supports a woman’s individual right to choose and obtain an abortion. PPFC does not determine when, how, or why an abortion is chosen; PPFC supports that this is every individual woman’s choice.

This implies PPFC places no limits on a woman’s right to abortion. In other words, PPFC’s views on abortion are even more extreme than those of Canada’s most renowned abortionist.

Ms. Capperauld went on to say that
“women have the right to accurate, non-judgemental information concerning all pregnancy options. PPFC supports the right of women to be able to access all of the information needed to assist with their decision; information which is factual and accurate…”

In regards to the “factual and accurate” information “needed to assist with their decision,” I sent an email to Ms. Capperauld asking whether PPFC believed that information on prenatal development should be given to a woman considering an abortion regardless of whether or not she asks for it, only if she asks for it, or does PPFC not believe this information is important.

After repeated emails and a phone call, Ms. Capperauld replied back apologizing for the delay and said she would get back to me as soon as she was able to. I am still waiting.

Also included in PPFC’s position statement on abortion is the view that abortions should be fully funded.

All of these views – no limits on abortion at any time, for any reason, fully funded by the government – are extreme. They are not representative of the views of mainstream Canadians. According to the October 2004 Environics poll (see results on opposite page), less than one third of Canadians believe there should be no legal protection for the unborn child – regardless of gestational age – and only about one quarter of Canadians believe abortions should be completely funded by the government (PPFC’s views).

Canadian taxpayers do not support the extreme views of Planned Parenthood. Even Henry Morgentaler does not. Planned Parenthood still has not provided a single link to a pro-life organization’s website from the Canadian Health Network (CHN) website, and continues to link almost exclusively to pro-abortion-rights organizations. And PP continues to stereotype, stigmatize, and insult those of us who subscribe to a pro-life ethic by referring to us by the derogatory label “anti-choice.” In spite of all of this, PPFC received over $1.2 million of government funding in 2003 (from CIDA and Health Canada.)

By oppressing pro-life persons and by censoring our voices from government programs like the CHN – or the media, or the universities, or anywhere else in the public sphere – those in society who don’t like our message won’t have to hear it. When the messengers are gone, the truth will be buried. Without truth, there is no justice, and it is the unborn children and the women broken by abortion who will pay the price.

We need to realize that our right to freedom of expression and our right to be free from discrimination are being taken from us. The rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Canadian Charter belong to all Canadians – including you, including me. Never forget that! And never cease to defend them!

It has been a privilege serving as editor of this newsletter for the past three years. My appreciation goes out to all our readers and to all who sent letters, submitted articles, who provided feedback and support; and to LifeCanada for giving me the opportunity to take part in this profoundly important mission. Thank you all!

Barbara