No changes coming to Alberta abortion, birth control access: UCP

As a document leak suggests abortion laws could be changed in the United States, Albertans are wondering what the implications are here.

The United Conservative government says they don’t plan on making any changes to abortion access, but the NDP wants more reassurances.

At a press conference on Tuesday, NDP Leader Rachel Notley asked the government to guarantee no regressive changes would come to the province.

“I’m calling on Premier Jason Kenney to reaffirm Alberta’s commitment to a woman’s fundamental right to choose, guarantee he will do nothing to further restrict access to reproductive health services, and join me in condemning this attack on reproductive rights and through that, women’s equality in North America,” she said.

“As reproductive freedoms are being eroded in the United States, Canadian politicians at all levels of government must declare their unwavering support for a woman’s right to choose.”

Access to abortion services is decriminalized in Canada, and abortion laws are made at a federal level.

Provinces are required to provide access to health services, which include allowing people to seek birth control and abortions, under the Canada Health Act.

“This is a leaked U.S. draft decision that’s on an issue that’s under federal judication. So, we have no plans on changing our policies at all,” Health Minister Jason Copping said at the Legislature.

“This is required to be able to provide as part of the suite of all surgeries and all procedures under the Canada Health Act and it’s a federal matter, and we’re not making any plans on changing it.”

When Premier Jason Kenney was asked about it during Question Period, he accused the New Democrats of inventing political controversies that do not exist in Alberta politics.

He pointed out that there have been no abortion policy changes made or proposed in Alberta.

Political Scientist Lori Williams says Albertans do not need to be worried about losing access to abortion-related services, as provincial governments could face legal action if access is restricted.

“If a policy were enacted in Alberta to restrict access to healthcare services, especially when those services have been the subject of court decisions that have required more equitable or easier access for those needing those services, a court challenge could be launched against those,” she explained.

Williams adds that policies which restrict access to healthcare or are not consistent with federally set standards can be successfully challenged.

Ruling on the American case is expected by early July.