Canadian lawyers rally outside U.S. consulate in N.S. over decision to overturn Roe v. Wade
Global News
In Canada, abortion was decriminalized in 1988 and there are no federal laws restricting it. Still, experts empathize with those in the U.S., and worry the sentiment might spread.
The Canadian Association of Labour Lawyers (CALL) held an urgent rally in front of the U.S. Consulate in downtown Halifax, N.S., in response to Friday’s decision by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
The landmark Roe v. Wade ruling guaranteed a constitutional right to an abortion for more than 50 years. Now, abortion rights will now be left up to individual states.
In Canada, abortion has been decriminalized. A 1988 decision by the Canadian Supreme Court struck down a 1969 law that amended the Criminal Code and made abortion accessible but only if the mother’s life was in danger, as certified by a committee of doctors.
Since the CSC decision, abortion has been available under the Canada Health Act, though access varies across the country.
At 5 p.m. on Friday, the group of lawyers, who happened to be in the city for meetings, gathered on Upper Water Street in Halifax.
They’re calling today’s decision “a historic and devastating setback” for those who access abortions.
Other organizations that work with people seeking abortion say they’re disappointed with the ruling. They fear for those south of the border, and worry the sentiment might spread.
Abbey Ferguson, executive director of the Halifax Sexual Health Centre, said she was disappointed to hear the news.
