by Annie Ding, McGill International Review, 25 September 2023
It’s been over a year since Roe v. Wade was overturned in the United States, removing the constitutional protection of abortion rights in the country, and marking a significant setback in reproductive rights. While Canada has often been viewed as a leader in comprehensive abortion access, it’s not as black and white as it may seem. The impact of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization reverberates beyond U.S. borders and fueled anti-abortion sentiments worldwide. To provide some context, the Dobbs case involved a Mississippi state law that banned most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, which directly challenged Roe v. Wade and women’s established right to choose abortion before the fetus reaches viability (usually at approximately 24 weeks). The US Supreme Court’s ruling in this case thus undermined the precedent set by Roe v. Wade and opened the door to states across the country to further restrict abortion access, furthering fuel for anti-abortion groups across the country. Contrary to mainstream narratives, Canada is not a stranger to these anti-abortion sentiments. Abortion access is nowhere near as seamless as it is often cited as in comparison to the US.
FULL REPORT: Mironline, by Annie Ding, 25 September 2023 ; PHOTO: Globe and Mail, What access to abortion looks like. 24 June 2022