Last night on #FAQMP, #cpc MP Scott Armstrong answered a question (my question) about #M312, was he going to Vote for or against the motion. He is voting against it. He is apparently amoung many Conservative MPs who are, wait for it, Pro-Choice!
Imagine my surprise. You see since finding my way to this 'reproductive rights scene' last Fall, I was under the impression that all Liberals are Pro-Choice and all (or at least most) Conservatives are Anti-Choice, but not so. You'll have to excuse me for that blunder, but I have been politically 'unconscious' for most of my life. Busy with growing up, then school, then having kids, I did not pay attention...at all...to anything political. I was too busy doing what most of us are busy doing, living my hum drum life, and being content. The problem with that is, there are many Canadians not living hum drum content lives, and we should be paying more attention.
So I started paying attention. And have been angry ever since. A constant state of uncontentness hangs over me as I watch not only what my federal gov't is doing, but what MPs are doing. But rest easy, I have a Liberal MP, 'liberal' meaning what, progressive at the very least, right? Surely he is Pro-Choice, I'm sure all Liberal MPs are. Why would people vote Liberal and elect an MP who wasn't?! So while other women across Canada worry their MP will not affirm their rights when voting on M312, I have nothing to fear. Oh no, what's this? My own MP, a Liberal, is personally Anti-Choice. Found out only because after emailing him and getting no response on how/if he voted on Resolution #58, I managed to find him on a show called #FAQMP and managed to get a question submitted about the resolution (his interview) and then AFTER that interview...got a reply to my previous email. Yup. He's peronally anti-choice, but claims he'll uphold The Charter. WTF! He's anti-choice, but won't use his position as MP to forward a personal belief....yet all my recent tweets asking him how he'll vote on M312 (yes, he's very active on Twitter) have gone unanswered. Curious what he thinks that leads me to believe.
I'll not ever make that mistake again. That mistake of thinking I know where my MP stands on issues of rights. And I hope others make sure they ask some more relevant questions of their MPs in the next election. It's a radical idea, but there it is. Imagine, asking MPs questions involving words/phrases like 'abortion', 'GLBT', prostitution, church and state, fracking, GMO's, human trafficking....take your pick, there are many important issues to discuss. Just ask something that matters to not just your own life, but someone else's! That's the problem, isn't it. When something doesn't affect us personally we usually don't get involved. Taxes affects all of us, so that's what we ask about. Time to change that.
Back to Mr. Armstrong. If you missed his interview on #FAQMP last night, you'll be able to catch it in the weeks to come, when it's posted as a permanent video on their site, along with many other interviews they've done in this, their first season. He spoke easily, honestly and freely about his thoughts on having run as an openly Pro-Choice Conservative candidate. And I found myself thinking if he came to my door, I'm not sure I'd turn him away. Me, a liberal of old, an NDP of late, thinking I might have a discussion with a Conservative MP. Go figure. But the idea that he would run openly in support of reproductive rights...it's compelling stuff.
But that's the thing about knowing where MPs stand on the REAL issues. Where do they stand on our Rights and Freedoms? What are they willing to defend? What issues will they rise and say no matter what the outcome, they will protect what we have come to hold as what is right (not to be confused with righteous)? Sure it's easy to stand up and say you'll fight tax increases and you'll work for more jobs and you'll fight to see that we have security when we're old, but will they rise in the House and protect us in the face of attacks to our rights? Our basic freedoms? Will they rise in the House and protect us no matter the backlash? Are they [wo]men or mice? On twitter I see our four PEI MPs tweeting out regular congrats to folks on all sorts of issues, but where are they on M312? Not a word, not a tweet, not a thought, not a blogpost, not a word. Although one MP doesn't have to, Mr. Wayne Easter has already said, months ago, that he supports women's reproductive rights. That's all it takes folks. For the remaining three of you, these months of silence speaks volumes! It tells us you are afraid. You want afraid? Try seeking an abortion. I don't care your reasons for being silent, silence feeds ignorance. It feeds the machine that seeks to erode our rights.
On the issue of our rights, 3 of PEIs 4 MPs are silent!
There is little doubt in anyone's minds as to the intent of #M312. It is a step toward recriminalizing abortion. Any MPs who are unsure of how they'll vote are either worried about revealing their Anti-Choice status, or covering their ass in the face of what they see as a voting base that is potentially anti-choice.
Simple as that. Did you elect an MP who is trying to cover their ass and please as many of their voters as possible? Do you know where your MP stands on your Rights and Freedoms? Have you asked? Did you get an answer? Will you make sure that the next time she/he knocks on your door at election time that you will ask questions that tell you where they REALLY stand? Will you watch and see how they voted, and make your opinions heard?
I think the last time an MP came to my door I asked them about...heck...I'm embarrassed to say I can't even recall, I doubt it was about anything important. I likely commented on how they were doing going door to door and if they thought they had lots of support. I likely smiled and shook their hand. And yet here I sit wondering if my MP will now affirm my Rights. Or let slip a personal belief that the rights I have come to assume are etched in stone, are in fact, always to be at risk. Ridiculous right.
M312 and other motions/bills that seek to attack women's reproductive choices are basically scenarios where our rights are put to a vote.
You don't put Human Rights to a vote folks! And if you aren't convinced that reproductive rights are Human Rights, just google 'abortion is a human right' and do some reading. Or better yet, visit ARCC, pour a coffee and get informed about abortion in Canada and why it needs to be defended.
Update: As I sit and read about M312 I occassionaly see great articles, and blog posts about the topic, here is one that came across my screen this morning, and is worth sharing. The Abortion 'Debate' and Refusing to Engage. (from Abortion Gang). This is a great commentary on why we say there IS NO DEBATE.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Will PEI MPs Affirm Women's Rights - M312
The vote over M312 is approaching, June 13 and while abortion rights groups and suppoters rally, discuss, petition, network, lobby, educate, disseminate and push back against those who would see women's access to some medical services in Canada restricted, it is curious that some MPs remain silent.
On PEI we have four MPs, so it's not particularly difficult to keep track of them. We also have this nifty site here in Canada where we can see a voting record of all MPs. So it's no secret how and if they vote on Bills/Motions. But it is interesting to note that most MPs speak out fairly loudly about upcoming votes, bills and the like. Yet, on M312, a motion that seeks to open the door to recriminalizing abortion in Canada, some MPs have fallen silent.
Now Bob Rae has said he will let Liberal MPs vote their conscience. From that we heard a loud shout from the social media verse 'There is #nodebate'. The reason we hear many folks shouting 'there is no debate' isn't because we don't want to discuss abortion, my darling, WE women discuss it all the time, as part of our sexual health, our history, our right. What we mean is that there is only one point to the debate that is suggested by folks who oppose abortion, and that is to get into the morality of abortion...and that is something left to the individual, in the choices they make, for themselves, it is not for MPs to bandy about, they are not physcians, and ethicists and scientists, they are politicians. The HOC is not a (borrowing this from Gordon O'Connor) "laboratory...house of faith, an academic setting or a hospital. It is a legislature, and a legislature deals with law, specifically, in this case, subsection 223(1) of the Criminal Code". And so not the place to discuss the morality of abortion.
As a show of this, the NDP under Thomas Mulcair has said they will whip the vote. This is not muzzling of MPs, but rather a show of support, an affirmation of women's rights to access abortion, a medical procedure. And a recognition that the HOC is not the place for this discussion to take place.
Of course, PM Harper has implied he will make sure M312 does not pass, so what's the big deal? Why do I care how PEI MP's will vote? The big deal is that my MP speaks for me in Ottawa. And I want to know if my MP and other Island MPs will defend my right to access abortion services, a medical service that is regulated by the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons across Canada, a medical procedure that is between me and my physician and no one else. Access to which is protected by The Charter, upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada. If my MP puts his/her beliefs above my already established rights (by the way, the UN considers access to abortion, a Human Right), personal morality above what The Charter of Rights and Freedoms has granted me, then that is something I want to know. So that's the big friggin' deal.
I did tweet at all the Island MPs during the time just before Stephen Woodworth was to get his hour in the HOC (April). From Mr. Easter I heard he had signed ARCCs petition against the motion, from Mr. Casey I heard that he hadn't decided how he would vote, and I heard nothing from Mr. MacAulay nor Ms. Shea. But now, since Woodworth's 15sec of fame, I continue to Tweet but Mr. Casey has joined the ranks of MacAulay and Shea, and has gone silent on the issue.
Should MPs be allowed silence on votes beforehand? Why, we'll know how they voted anyway? The backlash of a 'yes' vote will still reach their doorstep. If they are planning to vote 'no' then they could save themselves some extra scrutiny at this time.
Well you say, Tweeting them isn't a great way to contact someone. Oh..I would beg to differ. It's a great way to contact a public servant, because I want our conversations to be just that...public. Well you say, maybe they aren't on Twitter. Oh yes, they all are.
Let's take a look at the Twitter account of LPC MP Sean Casey, who is VERY active on Twitter/Blogging, he comments on a great deal many things, from personal, to what's happening in Charlottetown, to what he's working on as an MP.
"Today is International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia..."
"EI Changes: I can think of a few bad jobs..."
"Students from across Canada and around the world in#Charlottetown for Canada-Wide Science Fair..."
"Next Tues I will be hosting a Town Hall w Judy Sgro, Jim Sentance & John Kenny (PEI Seniors Federation)..."
"I spoke on the Federal Budget's impact on PEI in the HoC today..."
"Happy Conservatives supported my motion at Veterans Affairs Committee. Victory for Veterans. Review of VRAP is needed..."
"I am participating in Hunger Awareness Week by fasting today"
"Join me, Jim Sentance and MP Judy Sgro on May 22 to discuss proposed changes to Old Age Security @ the Guild from 7-9pm for a Town Hall..."
"Join the Steps for Life Walk tmrw at 9:30am at the ball park at Victoria Park to support families who have lost someone on the job..."
"So they've limited what environmental groups can say, now the Cons limit the time we can defend their right to have a voice..."
"HoC Commoners soccer team battled to a 1-1 draw with the media last night. Next week: the pages.."
"Spending the day in a wheelchair today to gain an appreciation for the challenges of those with spinal cord injuries..."
"My speech today on C-26, the self defence Bill ..."
AND THAT's JUST MAY! Clear to see he talks about everything. But again, nothing on M312.
Wait, maybe he blogged about it, since it's a big topic, maybe he wanted time and space to write and think, let's check his blog ... anything? Nope.
Let's see what CPC MP Gail Shae had to say in the last month or so:
"Congratulations to the Canadian Soccer Association ..."
"Happy to take part in the official opening of the O'Leary Housing Project..."
"Pleased to support Holland College in purchasing equipment ..."
"Honoured to join [so and so] 2day in congratulating Class 8-C from Montague Intermediate Sch..."
"Congratulatons to Westisle Students for their excellent showing at the Skills Canada Provincial Competitions..."
...all more of the same, very 'happy' and 'congratulatory', no real discussion of anything on her Twitter account. But she's there, and again, tweeting on a somewhat regular basis, and should then be considered accessible on Twitter. Let's check her website...anything? Nope.
And LPC MP Lawrence MacAulay...
He's fairly new to Twitter, as far as the Twitterverse goes, but he's around...this is in the last month:
"Attended hearing today on the govt's budget bill..."
"Great meetings in Ottawa today w/ Canadian Building Trades Unions, PEI Real Estate Board & Automotive Industry Association..."
"Meeting with Cardigan resident Kevin Taylor today at the House of Commons.."
"Presenting Petitions – Fleet Separation and Owner-Operator Policies..."
"Wishing all U.P.E.I. graduates the very best today!..."
"Looking forward to holding forums on Fisheries & Coastal Communities this weekend in Quebec & Labrador.."
"With Theresa Donnelly on her 90th birthday in Montague..."
"With Sinclair and Peggy MacKinnon at their 50th wedding anniversary in Montague..."
"Busy weekend-District meetings across eastern PEI & visiting constituents..."
"Wishing all Island lobster fishers a safe first day on the water!"
Not bad, he's there, and fairly active, so again, accessible through Twitter. Let's check out his website, just in case we've missed some message there about M312. Anything? Nope.
All this is fine. Really. I'm not asking any of these folks to launch into any long speech about abortion or women's rights (although that would be awesome). But then why didn't they then do the same as MP Wayne Easter, make their intentions known, and be done with this? That is the real question, and that's why people are worried, because it's MPs who are, how did Bob Rae put that 'going to vote their conscience' that worry us. They don't seem to understand that it's women who get to vote their conscience when they make the choice to access reproductive services.
Politicians often defend their silence by saying that 'abortion is too controversial a topic to discuss'. But this isn't just a discussion, this is a vote to see whether the doors will be flung open toward recriminalizing abortion in Canada. If there was EVER a time for MPs to be talking about an upcoming vote, it is now! And Mr. Easter showed us how quick and painless it can be for politicians to speak their minds. With one fell swoop, in less than 10min, like two months ago, Wayne Easter quickly and without any hooopla made his opinion known, on CBC news (Compass). There was no backlash. There was no controversy. He supports The Charter, and women's access to abortion, a medical service. Done.
So why the silence from Casey, MacAulay and Shea? What does their silence say? Is it that they don't think this is an issue worth their time? Are women's reproductive rights irrelevant to them? Are they afraid to make their personal opinions known? Do they know that you can be personally anti-choice and yet support women's access to medical services like abortion? Are they unaware that WE WILL KNOW how they voted after the fact? Are they trying to hold off the backlash from not defending women's right to choice? Are they hoping we all go away? By the way, since our province is still waiting for abortion services 'on Island', I guarantee them, we are not going away.
Is this the new face of politics? Politicians who do not want to talk about anything controversial? Sorry that should say 'controversial'. Politicians chosing silence so they don't say something wrong? Politicians hiding when they are our voice? My voice in Ottawa? Politicians who may be willing to have a private conversation with you, Jane Q Public, but refuse to do so in public? Politicians who are more concerned with keeping their job then making real change and fighting for people's rights? All rights, even the ones that get the fur ruffled? Politicians who are happy to attend fund raisers, and brunches, and fun events, but who refuse to stand up when the going gets tough?
Isn't there some quote...somewhere...about the measure of a person and how they act not on a daily basis, but when the shit hits the fan? Well, if we can measure these MPs in the face of a real controversy, they are not fairly very well.
Very disappointing to learn that these are the MPs we mostly see on PEI. Very sad example indeed.
Mr. Casey, Mr. MacAulay and Ms. Shea, Islanders WILL KNOW how you voted, why are you being silent on M312 and the upcoming Vote? Will you tell us how you plan to Vote? Will you uphold The Charter and affirm women's reproductive rights? Will you be 'Silent No More' and do your job, talk with your constituents and tell us your intentions?
On PEI we have four MPs, so it's not particularly difficult to keep track of them. We also have this nifty site here in Canada where we can see a voting record of all MPs. So it's no secret how and if they vote on Bills/Motions. But it is interesting to note that most MPs speak out fairly loudly about upcoming votes, bills and the like. Yet, on M312, a motion that seeks to open the door to recriminalizing abortion in Canada, some MPs have fallen silent.
Now Bob Rae has said he will let Liberal MPs vote their conscience. From that we heard a loud shout from the social media verse 'There is #nodebate'. The reason we hear many folks shouting 'there is no debate' isn't because we don't want to discuss abortion, my darling, WE women discuss it all the time, as part of our sexual health, our history, our right. What we mean is that there is only one point to the debate that is suggested by folks who oppose abortion, and that is to get into the morality of abortion...and that is something left to the individual, in the choices they make, for themselves, it is not for MPs to bandy about, they are not physcians, and ethicists and scientists, they are politicians. The HOC is not a (borrowing this from Gordon O'Connor) "laboratory...house of faith, an academic setting or a hospital. It is a legislature, and a legislature deals with law, specifically, in this case, subsection 223(1) of the Criminal Code". And so not the place to discuss the morality of abortion.
As a show of this, the NDP under Thomas Mulcair has said they will whip the vote. This is not muzzling of MPs, but rather a show of support, an affirmation of women's rights to access abortion, a medical procedure. And a recognition that the HOC is not the place for this discussion to take place.
Of course, PM Harper has implied he will make sure M312 does not pass, so what's the big deal? Why do I care how PEI MP's will vote? The big deal is that my MP speaks for me in Ottawa. And I want to know if my MP and other Island MPs will defend my right to access abortion services, a medical service that is regulated by the Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons across Canada, a medical procedure that is between me and my physician and no one else. Access to which is protected by The Charter, upheld by the Supreme Court of Canada. If my MP puts his/her beliefs above my already established rights (by the way, the UN considers access to abortion, a Human Right), personal morality above what The Charter of Rights and Freedoms has granted me, then that is something I want to know. So that's the big friggin' deal.
I did tweet at all the Island MPs during the time just before Stephen Woodworth was to get his hour in the HOC (April). From Mr. Easter I heard he had signed ARCCs petition against the motion, from Mr. Casey I heard that he hadn't decided how he would vote, and I heard nothing from Mr. MacAulay nor Ms. Shea. But now, since Woodworth's 15sec of fame, I continue to Tweet but Mr. Casey has joined the ranks of MacAulay and Shea, and has gone silent on the issue.
Should MPs be allowed silence on votes beforehand? Why, we'll know how they voted anyway? The backlash of a 'yes' vote will still reach their doorstep. If they are planning to vote 'no' then they could save themselves some extra scrutiny at this time.
Well you say, Tweeting them isn't a great way to contact someone. Oh..I would beg to differ. It's a great way to contact a public servant, because I want our conversations to be just that...public. Well you say, maybe they aren't on Twitter. Oh yes, they all are.
Let's take a look at the Twitter account of LPC MP Sean Casey, who is VERY active on Twitter/Blogging, he comments on a great deal many things, from personal, to what's happening in Charlottetown, to what he's working on as an MP.
"Today is International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia..."
"EI Changes: I can think of a few bad jobs..."
"Students from across Canada and around the world in
"Next Tues I will be hosting a Town Hall w Judy Sgro, Jim Sentance & John Kenny (PEI Seniors Federation)..."
"I spoke on the Federal Budget's impact on PEI in the HoC today..."
"Happy Conservatives supported my motion at Veterans Affairs Committee. Victory for Veterans. Review of VRAP is needed..."
"I am participating in Hunger Awareness Week by fasting today"
"Join me, Jim Sentance and MP Judy Sgro on May 22 to discuss proposed changes to Old Age Security @ the Guild from 7-9pm for a Town Hall..."
"Join the Steps for Life Walk tmrw at 9:30am at the ball park at Victoria Park to support families who have lost someone on the job..."
"So they've limited what environmental groups can say, now the Cons limit the time we can defend their right to have a voice..."
"HoC Commoners soccer team battled to a 1-1 draw with the media last night. Next week: the pages.."
"Spending the day in a wheelchair today to gain an appreciation for the challenges of those with spinal cord injuries..."
"My speech today on C-26, the self defence Bill ..."
AND THAT's JUST MAY! Clear to see he talks about everything. But again, nothing on M312.
Wait, maybe he blogged about it, since it's a big topic, maybe he wanted time and space to write and think, let's check his blog ... anything? Nope.
Let's see what CPC MP Gail Shae had to say in the last month or so:
"Congratulations to the Canadian Soccer Association ..."
"Happy to take part in the official opening of the O'Leary Housing Project..."
"Pleased to support Holland College in purchasing equipment ..."
"Honoured to join [so and so] 2day in congratulating Class 8-C from Montague Intermediate Sch..."
"Congratulatons to Westisle Students for their excellent showing at the Skills Canada Provincial Competitions..."
...all more of the same, very 'happy' and 'congratulatory', no real discussion of anything on her Twitter account. But she's there, and again, tweeting on a somewhat regular basis, and should then be considered accessible on Twitter. Let's check her website...anything? Nope.
And LPC MP Lawrence MacAulay...
He's fairly new to Twitter, as far as the Twitterverse goes, but he's around...this is in the last month:
"Attended hearing today on the govt's budget bill..."
"Great meetings in Ottawa today w/ Canadian Building Trades Unions, PEI Real Estate Board & Automotive Industry Association..."
"Meeting with Cardigan resident Kevin Taylor today at the House of Commons.."
"Presenting Petitions – Fleet Separation and Owner-Operator Policies..."
"Wishing all U.P.E.I. graduates the very best today!..."
"Looking forward to holding forums on Fisheries & Coastal Communities this weekend in Quebec & Labrador.."
"With Theresa Donnelly on her 90th birthday in Montague..."
"With Sinclair and Peggy MacKinnon at their 50th wedding anniversary in Montague..."
"Busy weekend-District meetings across eastern PEI & visiting constituents..."
"Wishing all Island lobster fishers a safe first day on the water!"
Not bad, he's there, and fairly active, so again, accessible through Twitter. Let's check out his website, just in case we've missed some message there about M312. Anything? Nope.
All this is fine. Really. I'm not asking any of these folks to launch into any long speech about abortion or women's rights (although that would be awesome). But then why didn't they then do the same as MP Wayne Easter, make their intentions known, and be done with this? That is the real question, and that's why people are worried, because it's MPs who are, how did Bob Rae put that 'going to vote their conscience' that worry us. They don't seem to understand that it's women who get to vote their conscience when they make the choice to access reproductive services.
Politicians often defend their silence by saying that 'abortion is too controversial a topic to discuss'. But this isn't just a discussion, this is a vote to see whether the doors will be flung open toward recriminalizing abortion in Canada. If there was EVER a time for MPs to be talking about an upcoming vote, it is now! And Mr. Easter showed us how quick and painless it can be for politicians to speak their minds. With one fell swoop, in less than 10min, like two months ago, Wayne Easter quickly and without any hooopla made his opinion known, on CBC news (Compass). There was no backlash. There was no controversy. He supports The Charter, and women's access to abortion, a medical service. Done.
So why the silence from Casey, MacAulay and Shea? What does their silence say? Is it that they don't think this is an issue worth their time? Are women's reproductive rights irrelevant to them? Are they afraid to make their personal opinions known? Do they know that you can be personally anti-choice and yet support women's access to medical services like abortion? Are they unaware that WE WILL KNOW how they voted after the fact? Are they trying to hold off the backlash from not defending women's right to choice? Are they hoping we all go away? By the way, since our province is still waiting for abortion services 'on Island', I guarantee them, we are not going away.
Is this the new face of politics? Politicians who do not want to talk about anything controversial? Sorry that should say 'controversial'. Politicians chosing silence so they don't say something wrong? Politicians hiding when they are our voice? My voice in Ottawa? Politicians who may be willing to have a private conversation with you, Jane Q Public, but refuse to do so in public? Politicians who are more concerned with keeping their job then making real change and fighting for people's rights? All rights, even the ones that get the fur ruffled? Politicians who are happy to attend fund raisers, and brunches, and fun events, but who refuse to stand up when the going gets tough?
Isn't there some quote...somewhere...about the measure of a person and how they act not on a daily basis, but when the shit hits the fan? Well, if we can measure these MPs in the face of a real controversy, they are not fairly very well.
Very disappointing to learn that these are the MPs we mostly see on PEI. Very sad example indeed.
Mr. Casey, Mr. MacAulay and Ms. Shea, Islanders WILL KNOW how you voted, why are you being silent on M312 and the upcoming Vote? Will you tell us how you plan to Vote? Will you uphold The Charter and affirm women's reproductive rights? Will you be 'Silent No More' and do your job, talk with your constituents and tell us your intentions?
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Say it with me: Abortion is a Medical Procedure
In the Winnipeg Free Press there was a 'have your say' response that grabbed me, it was short and sweet and to the point, and regarding the recent discussion over a certain #cpc MP trying to open the door to recriminalizing abortion in Canada. It said everything that needed to be said, in a very few lines.
Re: Debate rages on (Letters, May 9). Canada holds as a basic human right access to medical care. Denying access is absolutely unacceptable.
Abortion is the only medical procedure that only women need, and it is the only medical procedure that is routinely denied.
Lawmakers (mostly male), doctors (mostly male) and clergy (mostly male) have always sought control over women's bodies and reproductive systems. Denying access to needed abortion is one of the worst aspects of this control. Forcing unwanted abortion is the other side, equally bad.
There is no medical procedure that men might need that is ever denied.
I realize that every religion has strong views about women's rights, but law and medicine need to rise above the personal views of parliamentarians and doctors.
Equality, equal rights, equal access to medical care are the values that are at stake here.
JUDY H.
Winnipeg
People who aren't paying attention, often see the headline 'Canada has no abortion regulation' and think that is something to be worried about. The fact is, well #cpc MP Gordon O'Connor said it best when he rose in the #hoc to address #M312 and said ..."This does not mean, however, that abortion is unregulated in Canada. Abortion is regulated through provincial governments' responsibility for the delivery of health care services in conjunction with the medical profession. All provincial and territorial colleges of physicians and surgeons have declared that abortion is a medically necessary procedure, and delivery of this medical service is regulated accordingly." So there. That is why you hear women and men saying 'there is no debate'. There will always be conversations about abortion, but it IS a medical procedure in Canada and as such is not up for debate by politicians.
So, long story short, thanks Judy! You said it, here's hoping everyone finally 'gets it' and my daughter will not be fighting to protect this 'medical procedure' when she is an adult. Here's hoping people stop forcing their religious or personal BELIEFS on others. If you don't want an abortion DON'T HAVE ONE! As Mr. O'Connor was so good to point out also...there is no law saying any woman HAD to have an abortion, and the Legislature is not, how did he put that ..." The House of Commons, however, is not a laboratory. It is not a house of faith, an academic setting or a hospital. It is a legislature, and a legislature deals with law, specifically, in this case, subsection 223(1) of the Criminal Code."
Wow...who would have thought I would ever be standing on the side of a Conservative MP, but there it is.
So I amend my THANKS to both Judy AND Gordon, you've both made my year!
As it stands now on PEI, only one MP has spoken up on this issue and that is MP Wayne Easter, who does not support #M312. The other three? Who knows, apparently they are only able to speak out on behalf of OAC, Veterans, EI, Inshore Fishery, Public Servants...they don't apparently speak out on behalf of human rights.
Re: Debate rages on (Letters, May 9). Canada holds as a basic human right access to medical care. Denying access is absolutely unacceptable.
Abortion is the only medical procedure that only women need, and it is the only medical procedure that is routinely denied.
Lawmakers (mostly male), doctors (mostly male) and clergy (mostly male) have always sought control over women's bodies and reproductive systems. Denying access to needed abortion is one of the worst aspects of this control. Forcing unwanted abortion is the other side, equally bad.
There is no medical procedure that men might need that is ever denied.
I realize that every religion has strong views about women's rights, but law and medicine need to rise above the personal views of parliamentarians and doctors.
Equality, equal rights, equal access to medical care are the values that are at stake here.
JUDY H.
Winnipeg
People who aren't paying attention, often see the headline 'Canada has no abortion regulation' and think that is something to be worried about. The fact is, well #cpc MP Gordon O'Connor said it best when he rose in the #hoc to address #M312 and said ..."This does not mean, however, that abortion is unregulated in Canada. Abortion is regulated through provincial governments' responsibility for the delivery of health care services in conjunction with the medical profession. All provincial and territorial colleges of physicians and surgeons have declared that abortion is a medically necessary procedure, and delivery of this medical service is regulated accordingly." So there. That is why you hear women and men saying 'there is no debate'. There will always be conversations about abortion, but it IS a medical procedure in Canada and as such is not up for debate by politicians.
So, long story short, thanks Judy! You said it, here's hoping everyone finally 'gets it' and my daughter will not be fighting to protect this 'medical procedure' when she is an adult. Here's hoping people stop forcing their religious or personal BELIEFS on others. If you don't want an abortion DON'T HAVE ONE! As Mr. O'Connor was so good to point out also...there is no law saying any woman HAD to have an abortion, and the Legislature is not, how did he put that ..." The House of Commons, however, is not a laboratory. It is not a house of faith, an academic setting or a hospital. It is a legislature, and a legislature deals with law, specifically, in this case, subsection 223(1) of the Criminal Code."
Wow...who would have thought I would ever be standing on the side of a Conservative MP, but there it is.
So I amend my THANKS to both Judy AND Gordon, you've both made my year!
As it stands now on PEI, only one MP has spoken up on this issue and that is MP Wayne Easter, who does not support #M312. The other three? Who knows, apparently they are only able to speak out on behalf of OAC, Veterans, EI, Inshore Fishery, Public Servants...they don't apparently speak out on behalf of human rights.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
#M312 - How will your MP Vote?
What a rollercoaster ride! it has been since little old PEI screamed out into the universe that women here were no longer going to be ignored and silenced. Okay, well, women have screamed before, but this is the first time I've been invovled. Specifically of course I'm talking about access to abortion services, long since gone from PEI due to influence from the now since defunct 'religious hospital boards'. It all started with the some research, then the formation of a reproductive rights group 'PRRO', then a Rally, then a flurry of editorials, backlask advertising from the anti's, and continued discussion in homes and palors around PEI. Well, actually, I'm not really sure what a parlor is, but I'm very sure it's being discussed in places it hasn't been discussed in a very, very long time. We now know that abortions can be performed on PEI, there are no laws to prevent it, all it takes is a physician willing to offer the service. And if the gov't were to attempt to stop this from happening...boom...that's when it would/could go to court. Sounds simple enough, but there are decades of fear and ignorance here to step over (I jumped it like a ramp when writing Editorials, like on my bike, had to get up a pretty good speed too). So while we wait for physicians to start offering services, while we wait for our gov't to muster up the political will to actively recruit and support physicians willing to provide services (some line about hell on a cold day comes to mind right now concerning the political will part) we see that on a National level, abortion is being discussed as well.
Last week a motion came before the house of commons, brought up by a Conservative MP (my sister's MP, in Kitchner Ontario, how horrifying for her!) with the intent of setting up some committee, where politicians would get to debate when a fetus becomes a person...something I'm sure we would all agree MPs are uniquely qualified to do. That motion was met not met with support. In fact #cpc MP Gordon O'connor stood up and spoke so well, with such clarity, that when he finished there was actually like 4secs of silence, before everyone clapped. I was moved, to tears actually, got really choked up to see a man, an older, white-haired man, stand and champion my rights as a woman who wants bodily autonomy. I wanted to write Mr. O'connor a long letter telling him how his speech had affected me.
But then I read this article today, and my perspective has been restored. 'The Gov'ts selective defense of freedom', in the OttawaCitizen.com. I still love Mr. O'Connor's speech, but I've reigned in my love to a deep admiration. I think I was just hoping I had an MP like that. Sadly, I do not. Mine was not sure how he would vote. Not sure how he would vote on the idea that women have bodily autonomy. Not sure how he would vote on the idea that women have already faught and won this battle, decades ago. And not sure how he would vote even though his own party, passed a Resolution at the Biennial Convention in January '12, Resolution #58 that affirmed the party's support for women's reproductive rights. But he's not sure. Awesome.
Well Thomas Mulcair to my rescue, has whipped the vote. Although, as someone so cleverly pointed out to me whilst I was tweeting excitedly about Mr. Mulcair's whipping, he didn't HAVE to whip the vote, they would not support #m312. But I'm glad he did, it was a real affirmation to women, that someone is going to say 'we will fight and defend the rights of women'. The Liberal party...not so much. Bob Rae has said MP's can 'vote their conscience'. I think he's a tad confused because when it comes to women's reproductive rights, its 'us' who gets to vote our consciences everytime we make a choice whether or not to access services. MP's are supposed to support our rights. I wonder what other rights we'd like MPs debating? I think everyone should pick one right, something they value, and send it to the House of Commons to let the experts debate it's validity. You'd all be comfortable with that, right?
So, the motion gets another hour before the house sometime in the Spring, and then there is to be a vote in the Fall, unless for some reason this process is hurried up because the PM has decided not to let it fester over the summer, then we'll see a vote before they sit for the summer. Sit for the summer, sounds nice, like in a lawn chair, chilly drink, kids playing, sun shining....sit....for the summer. Sorry, it's cold here on PEI so I'm easily distracted by references to warm summer days.
How will your MP vote on #M312? If you want to keep track of this motion, and others, as well as things your MP has said in the House of Commons, you can find all that in a nifty little website How'd They Vote.ca It's a real gem. Will your MP decide to be absent? Busy to be sure, with something so important, way more important than a vote that will essentially affirm women's reproductive rights in Canada? Will they 'vote their conscience' or vote to support The Charter? Have you asked your MP how they will vote on #m312? I'm thinking it's a good idea that they all know...
We'll be waiting, and watching.
Last week a motion came before the house of commons, brought up by a Conservative MP (my sister's MP, in Kitchner Ontario, how horrifying for her!) with the intent of setting up some committee, where politicians would get to debate when a fetus becomes a person...something I'm sure we would all agree MPs are uniquely qualified to do. That motion was met not met with support. In fact #cpc MP Gordon O'connor stood up and spoke so well, with such clarity, that when he finished there was actually like 4secs of silence, before everyone clapped. I was moved, to tears actually, got really choked up to see a man, an older, white-haired man, stand and champion my rights as a woman who wants bodily autonomy. I wanted to write Mr. O'connor a long letter telling him how his speech had affected me.
But then I read this article today, and my perspective has been restored. 'The Gov'ts selective defense of freedom', in the OttawaCitizen.com. I still love Mr. O'Connor's speech, but I've reigned in my love to a deep admiration. I think I was just hoping I had an MP like that. Sadly, I do not. Mine was not sure how he would vote. Not sure how he would vote on the idea that women have bodily autonomy. Not sure how he would vote on the idea that women have already faught and won this battle, decades ago. And not sure how he would vote even though his own party, passed a Resolution at the Biennial Convention in January '12, Resolution #58 that affirmed the party's support for women's reproductive rights. But he's not sure. Awesome.
Well Thomas Mulcair to my rescue, has whipped the vote. Although, as someone so cleverly pointed out to me whilst I was tweeting excitedly about Mr. Mulcair's whipping, he didn't HAVE to whip the vote, they would not support #m312. But I'm glad he did, it was a real affirmation to women, that someone is going to say 'we will fight and defend the rights of women'. The Liberal party...not so much. Bob Rae has said MP's can 'vote their conscience'. I think he's a tad confused because when it comes to women's reproductive rights, its 'us' who gets to vote our consciences everytime we make a choice whether or not to access services. MP's are supposed to support our rights. I wonder what other rights we'd like MPs debating? I think everyone should pick one right, something they value, and send it to the House of Commons to let the experts debate it's validity. You'd all be comfortable with that, right?
So, the motion gets another hour before the house sometime in the Spring, and then there is to be a vote in the Fall, unless for some reason this process is hurried up because the PM has decided not to let it fester over the summer, then we'll see a vote before they sit for the summer. Sit for the summer, sounds nice, like in a lawn chair, chilly drink, kids playing, sun shining....sit....for the summer. Sorry, it's cold here on PEI so I'm easily distracted by references to warm summer days.
How will your MP vote on #M312? If you want to keep track of this motion, and others, as well as things your MP has said in the House of Commons, you can find all that in a nifty little website How'd They Vote.ca It's a real gem. Will your MP decide to be absent? Busy to be sure, with something so important, way more important than a vote that will essentially affirm women's reproductive rights in Canada? Will they 'vote their conscience' or vote to support The Charter? Have you asked your MP how they will vote on #m312? I'm thinking it's a good idea that they all know...
We'll be waiting, and watching.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Abortion in Canada - M312 - Round up!
Kids are home, snow is falling and blowing, dogs waiting to be walked, laundry piling up, painting to be done but here I sit because I'd like to gather together some 'stuff' about this whole 'WOMB RAIDERS' motion (that's my new favorite!) being brought forward by Conservative Party MP Stephen Woodworth. He wants to discuss when life begins...a precurser to curtailing women's rights to have access to abortion services in Canada. If you are just tuning in (besides wondering what the fuck you've been doing with your time) here are some highlights. Most are related to #m312, but not all. All are relevant in the view that women's rights are currently under attack.
Naked at UBC and an follow up editorial UBC Response Unfair
Misogyny in Motion312
Justice Wilson would be amused
Angus Reid Takes sides - with the anti-choice
Abortion and Repro Rights - Still under attack
Judge explodes when sentencing anti-choice activist - warning - takes you to anti-choice site! I always feel like I'm going to get a virus when I go there...you've been warned (lol).
Abortion on PEI
#m312 Counter Arguments - Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada
Whose Right to Life - Centre for Reproductive Rights
We will not go back
The War on Women - A year after Harper promised not to wage one
Keep the Law the way it is - A Conservative MP who does not support #m312
Women's Repro Rights not up for Political Debate - The Young Greens
Call to Action
Parliament to Debate Abortion
Some Fun - yes, we have to make fun, otherwise we'll all end up saying 'it's time to get a gun'. And no one wants that. Well, the anti's occassionally do, but that's another story that my two cups of coffee this morning tell me just, don't bother going there. Rather than 'get a gun' we'll make fun, seems rightly Canadian (and it rhymes, always nice).
Name Contest! Name #m312 - This is a great read! Highly recommended
Rabble (cartoon)
The Forbidden Doonesbury (twitter pic)
No woman can call herself Free (twitter pic)
Emma the Embryo
April is approaching, have you (there is something for everyone on this list!)
1. Let your MP know how you feel about #m312
2. Asked your MP how they will vote (I did, mine says he'll wait and listen to the 'which came first the woman or the egg' discussion, to make up his mind. My translation: he's anti-choice (but claims to support the Charter) so he's perhaps wondering how he can hide his 'yes' vote to let politicians discuss (not directly, no never directly) my right to access abortion services.
3. Tweeted, emailed, written to the leaders of the Liberal, Green and NDP parties? To ask for their support. Need a sample letter?
4. Blogged if you are a blogger so that your opinions are shared.
5. Visited (and used!) the hash tag #tellantichoicempseverything on Twitter and joined in the fun that comes from a group of frustrated, angry and intelligent people when their rights are being attacked.
6. Signed the petition, started by ARCC?
7. Are you a knitter? This is hillarious!
8. Want to donate a dollar or two in the name of Stephen Woodworth? PRRO Chippin
The best thing happened yesterday, while I was reading #tellantichoicempseverything some fundamentalist anti-choice person used the phrase 'prochoice extremist'. When I stopped laughing I shouted (to the internet universe) SIGN ME UP! and I want a t-shirt too. Yes, I am an extremist for rights, mine and yours. Women's Rights ARE Human Rights.
And be sure of one thing, the ANTI's are busy getting misinformation into the hands of MPs who will vote on #m312 in the Fall. So if you have actual factual information, be sure your MP gets it and understands the complexities of womens rights. Or, do as I did and just point them to the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada. It's all there, no recreating of the wheel needed. Here is a pic of what one MP received from the '4 My Canada'- (see religious right in the dictionary...sorry...fundmentalist religion creeps me out!)
#m312 anti-choice literature (twitter pic)
If you do nothing, at least examine your own views, and consider that it might be time to stand up for the rights of others because when they come for YOUR rights, you'll want us at your side :)
My other posts related to this one:
MP's need to speak out on Human Rights
MP's turn your back on the debate
War on Women
Naked at UBC and an follow up editorial UBC Response Unfair
Misogyny in Motion312
Justice Wilson would be amused
Angus Reid Takes sides - with the anti-choice
Abortion and Repro Rights - Still under attack
Judge explodes when sentencing anti-choice activist - warning - takes you to anti-choice site! I always feel like I'm going to get a virus when I go there...you've been warned (lol).
Abortion on PEI
#m312 Counter Arguments - Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada
Whose Right to Life - Centre for Reproductive Rights
We will not go back
The War on Women - A year after Harper promised not to wage one
Keep the Law the way it is - A Conservative MP who does not support #m312
Women's Repro Rights not up for Political Debate - The Young Greens
Call to Action
Parliament to Debate Abortion
Some Fun - yes, we have to make fun, otherwise we'll all end up saying 'it's time to get a gun'. And no one wants that. Well, the anti's occassionally do, but that's another story that my two cups of coffee this morning tell me just, don't bother going there. Rather than 'get a gun' we'll make fun, seems rightly Canadian (and it rhymes, always nice).
Name Contest! Name #m312 - This is a great read! Highly recommended
Rabble (cartoon)
The Forbidden Doonesbury (twitter pic)
No woman can call herself Free (twitter pic)
Emma the Embryo
April is approaching, have you (there is something for everyone on this list!)
1. Let your MP know how you feel about #m312
2. Asked your MP how they will vote (I did, mine says he'll wait and listen to the 'which came first the woman or the egg' discussion, to make up his mind. My translation: he's anti-choice (but claims to support the Charter) so he's perhaps wondering how he can hide his 'yes' vote to let politicians discuss (not directly, no never directly) my right to access abortion services.
3. Tweeted, emailed, written to the leaders of the Liberal, Green and NDP parties? To ask for their support. Need a sample letter?
4. Blogged if you are a blogger so that your opinions are shared.
5. Visited (and used!) the hash tag #tellantichoicempseverything on Twitter and joined in the fun that comes from a group of frustrated, angry and intelligent people when their rights are being attacked.
6. Signed the petition, started by ARCC?
7. Are you a knitter? This is hillarious!
8. Want to donate a dollar or two in the name of Stephen Woodworth? PRRO Chippin
The best thing happened yesterday, while I was reading #tellantichoicempseverything some fundamentalist anti-choice person used the phrase 'prochoice extremist'. When I stopped laughing I shouted (to the internet universe) SIGN ME UP! and I want a t-shirt too. Yes, I am an extremist for rights, mine and yours. Women's Rights ARE Human Rights.
And be sure of one thing, the ANTI's are busy getting misinformation into the hands of MPs who will vote on #m312 in the Fall. So if you have actual factual information, be sure your MP gets it and understands the complexities of womens rights. Or, do as I did and just point them to the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada. It's all there, no recreating of the wheel needed. Here is a pic of what one MP received from the '4 My Canada'- (see religious right in the dictionary...sorry...fundmentalist religion creeps me out!)
#m312 anti-choice literature (twitter pic)
If you do nothing, at least examine your own views, and consider that it might be time to stand up for the rights of others because when they come for YOUR rights, you'll want us at your side :)
My other posts related to this one:
MP's need to speak out on Human Rights
MP's turn your back on the debate
War on Women
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