Anti-choice MLAs force debate and revote on abortion bill

It has drawn intense criticism for limiting access to healthcare for women, LGBTQ2S+ Albertans, and anyone seeking medical assistance in dying. It may also have a range of unintended consequences for rural healthcare. (Pexels photo)

EDMONTON — A United Conservative Party bill that attacks healthcare access for women, LGBTQ2S+ Albertans and many others will be brought back for debate in the legislature on Monday, despite a committee recommendation to discard the bill, and widespread outcry from physicians and thousands of other Albertans.

On Wednesday, anti-choice MLAs in the UCP caucus used a procedural tactic to keep Bill 207 on the Order Paper for debate on Monday. One of the bill’s vocal supporters, MLA Michaela Glasgo of Brooks-Medicine Hat, has vowed to fight for passage of an amended version of the bill.

“I am very concerned that this ‘foot-in-the-door’ anti-choice bill is still on the agenda in the legislature,” said Janis Irwin, Official Opposition Critic for Women’s and LGBTQ2S+ Issues and MLA for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood. “The private member’s bill committee clearly rejected this bill and it should have been discarded this week.”

“But a substantial portion of the UCP caucus owes their election to backing from wealthy anti-choice groups like RightNow and The Wilberforce Project. I am certain that some very intense lobbying will be happening between now and Monday’s debate.”

Bill 207 was brought forward by Dan Williams, UCP MLA for Peace River, a long-time anti-choice campaigner and former staffer to Jason Kenney. The bill is an attempt to deny referrals to Alberta patients seeking healthcare services that their primary provider objects to. It has drawn intense criticism for limiting access to healthcare for women, LGBTQ2S+ Albertans, and anyone seeking medical assistance in dying. It may also have a range of unintended consequences for rural healthcare.

“The Premier has built his career on opposing women’s rights and LGBTQ2S+ rights,” Irwin said. “I know that we will have to fight to defend our rights throughout this term of government, and that fight continues on Monday.”