Past, present and future: Copping says abortion rules won't change in Alberta
After a decision that has sent shockwaves throughout the world about a woman's right to choose, Alberta's Health Minister Jason Copping says there won't be any change here despite what happens south of the border.
Copping made the comment at the grand opening of a Lethbridge clinic, saying that while the federal government is in charge of human rights, funding and access to abortion services falls to the province.
"Those services were offered previously, they're offered today, they're going to be offered tomorrow," he said.
On Friday morning, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the historic Roe v. Wade case, a decision from 1973 that provided women a constitutional right to abortion.
The decisions drew an immediate reaction from many political leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who called it a "devastating setback."
Alberta abortion rights groups say they're concerned about the path this could open for other countries.
"This is a direction that any country, anywhere, could go," said Autumn Reinhardt-Simpson with the Alberta Abortion Access Network.
Abortions are legal in Canada and they're also covered by public health insurance. However, advocates say the system isn't without its flaws.
"We don't talk about it enough, we might not fund it properly (and) we're not promoting accurate information," said Jill Doctoroff with the National Abortion Federation of Canada.
Access is one issue, with abortions only being offered in two locations in Calgary and one in Edmonton – except in instances where it is classified as a medical emergency.
Anti-abortion groups are also active in Alberta, with some of those viewpoints being held by those in political office.
"They're already here and they're already working toward similar conclusions," Reinhardt said.
"It's up to Canadians to decide whether that's going to be successful or not."
MONTANA GOVERNOR LOOKS AT BAN
Meanwhile, the leader of the U.S. state directly south of us has already said he would be looking at making abortions illegal.
Republican Governor Greg Gianforte said the ruling was "a historic win for life, families and science."
"With this monumental decision, the Supreme Court has restored power to the American people and their elected representatives."
Gianforte added he is "in discussions" with lawmakers to "protect life in Montana."
There were almost 12,000 abortions performed in Alberta the last time data was collected on the subject.
(With files from Timm Bruch)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'They needed people inside Air Canada:' Police announce arrests in Pearson gold heist
Police say one former and one current employee of Air Canada are among the nine suspects that are facing charges in connection with the gold heist at Pearson International Airport last year.
House admonishes ArriveCan contractor in rare parliamentary show of power
MPs enacted an extraordinary, rarely used parliamentary power on Wednesday, summonsing an ArriveCan contractor to appear before the House of Commons where he was admonished publicly and forced to provide answers to the questions MPs said he'd previously evaded.
Leafs star Auston Matthews finishes season with 69 goals
Auston Matthews won't be joining the NHL's 70-goal club this season.
Trump lawyers say Stormy Daniels refused subpoena outside a Brooklyn bar, papers left 'at her feet'
Donald Trump's legal team says it tried serving Stormy Daniels a subpoena as she arrived for an event at a bar in Brooklyn last month, but the porn actor, who is expected to be a witness at the former president's criminal trial, refused to take it and walked away.
Why drivers in Eastern Canada could see big gas price spikes, and other Canadians won't
Drivers in Eastern Canada face a big increase in gas prices because of various factors, especially the higher cost of the summer blend, industry analysts say.
Doug Ford calls on Ontario Speaker to reverse Queen's Park keffiyeh ban
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is calling on Speaker Ted Arnott to reverse a ban on keffiyehs at Queen's Park, describing the move as “needlessly” divisive.
'A living nightmare': Winnipeg woman sentenced following campaign of harassment against man after online date
A Winnipeg woman was sentenced to house arrest after a single date with a man she met online culminated in her harassing him for years, and spurred false allegations which resulted in the innocent man being arrested three times.
Woman who pressured boyfriend to kill his ex in 2000s granted absences from prison
A woman who pressured her boyfriend into killing his teenage ex more than a decade ago will be allowed to leave prison for weeks at a time.
Customers disappointed after email listing $60K Tim Hortons prize sent in error
Several Tim Horton’s customers are feeling great disappointment after being told by the company that an email stating they won a boat worth nearly $60,000 was sent in error.