Victoria – Parliamentary Secretary for Gender Equity Mitzi Dean has issued the following statement on the appearance of BC Liberals at an anti-choice rally:

“For decades, Canada has recognized the fundamental right of women to make their own reproductive choices.

“Our government has strengthened that right by covering the cost of Mifegymiso, a pill that can be used to terminate early-stage pregnancies of up to nine weeks. This was a particularly important step for women in rural areas who may not have access to surgical abortions.

“As the provider of healthcare services, the provincial government has an essential and ongoing role in protecting this right by ensuring abortion services can be accessed safely and affordably in communities across the province.

“That’s why I’m concerned that earlier today, BC Liberal MLAs Laurie Throness and Rich Coleman appeared at a rally calling for restrictions on abortion. At the microphone, Throness described the issue as a ‘matter of faith and of natural law.’

“In addition to adding his own voice, Throness indicated that he was attending ‘on behalf of other MLAs who are pro-life.’

“It is troubling to see senior members of Andrew Wilkinson’s team advocating for restrictions on the rights of women to make decisions about their own bodies and reproduction. It is even more troubling to consider the very real impact these and the other unnamed anti-abortion MLAs could have on access to abortion services if ever given the chance.

“Women across British Columbia deserve a response from Andrew Wilkinson. He should immediately denounce the view of his MLAs that access to reproductive health for women should be restricted.”