Legalization Of Abortion In Canada

Reasons for abortions vary among women. It could just be the wrong time to introduce a child into their life. Although there are precautions can be taken to prevent an unwanted pregnancy, there is still a slim chance of getting pregnant. A failure of birth control may result in an unexpected pregnancy which could be a factor contributing for an abortion. As we all know, babies cost a considerable amount of money and time to ensure they receive proper care. The financial situation can be a huge influence on a women’s choice to get an abortion or not. Once women started to enter the work force, the fertility rates decreased substantially, and therefore made abortion rates increase. The economic status of a woman has a huge effect on their choice …show more content…
In 1969, a law was passed to permit women to get abortions only if their life and health was in danger. Abortion was fully legalized by the Supreme Court in Canada just 27 years ago. The Canadian women’s movement has fought for women to have control over their own body. Doctor Henry Morgentaler has played a huge role in the legalization of abortions. Dr. Morgentaler defied the law by providing women with abortions in the province of Quebec. Eventually Quebec came to the conclusion that the federal law was unenforceable. A movement called the Ontario Coalition for Abortion Clinics was formed. Dr. Morgentaler was part of this movement. The objectives of the movement was to not only legalize abortions but to also make them accessible to women. The movement opened two abortion clinics; the first one in Winnipeg and the second in Toronto. The movement faced many setbacks including doctors getting arrested and raids of the clinics. The movement wanted women to have the right to make choices about their bodies and life. Abortion should be fully obtainable and safe for women. The involvement of tens of thousands of men and women gave the movement the strong support that was needed. Once the doctors went to trial in 1984, the jury decided the final verdict of not guilty, even though they had clearly broken the law. The jury was trying to make it apparent that it was an unfair law, and they refused to convict someone innocent. This allowed the clinic to be reopened. All the support prevented the Attorney General from closing it down. In this era, Abortions are available in every province excluding Prince Edward Island. Women in northern and rural communities may find it difficult to find an abortion clinic due to the travelling involved. The battle for women to have control over their own body has required a large amount of effort and support. ( entire paragraph based on

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