This isn't a abortion thread, although it is similar.
Quote:
A controversial bill that the Harper government says will recognize the unborn as victims of crime has angered women’s groups in this province.
Bill C-484 would recognize fetuses as crime victims when pregnant women are injured or killed.
But groups say the bill won’t reduce violence against women but instead, it will challenge their rights.
At noon Monday, several groups including the Coalition Against Violence and Newfoundland, Labrador Feminist Coalition, and the Memorial University Students Union will rally in front of federal Fisheries adn Oceans Minister Loyola Hearn’s office in St, John’s to protest the bill.
“This bill is a backdoor attempt to give human rights to fetuses,” says Joyce Hancock, with the Canadian Feminist Alliance and the Newfoundland and Labrador Feminist Coalition in a news release. “Under current Canadian law, fetuses are not considered persons until they are born alive. If this bill passes, women’s right to reproductive choice and abortion will be jeopardized.”
“Pregnant women don’t need Bill C-484,” says Vyda Ng with the Coalition Against Violence. “They need a government committed to getting at the root causes of violence against women. Giving fetuses rights will do nothing to protect women because it misses the mark entirely.”
Ng says instead of passing Bill C-484, Ottawa should increase sentencing, parole and long-term programs as well as pay closer attention to men who abuse women and commit violence against them.
Groups in St. John’s will rally as part of a national protest against the bill. In Ottawa, women’s groups will gather at the human rights monument later today to voice their opposition.
Source
So what do you think? As a supporter of pro-choice I don't really agree with this bill, and it really dosn't suprise me that our Prime Minister would propose such a bill. He is pro-life, and while he can't go against the the law that allows a woman's right to choose, this bill really will become a backdoor attempt to effect the current abortion law, also I cannot see how this will prevent violence against women, which is the 'supposed' reason that the bill was introduced.
Your thoughts?
_________________
Humans are intelligent, but that doesn't make them smart.
05 May 2008, 8:24 am
