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
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Pilot reported fire onboard plane carrying fuel, attempted to return to Fairbanks just before crash
One of the two pilots aboard an airplane carrying fuel reported there was a fire on the airplane shortly before it crashed and burned outside Fairbanks, killing both people on board, a federal aviation official said Wednesday.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
7 surveillance videos linked to extortions of South Asian home builders in Edmonton released
The Edmonton Police Service has released a number of surveillance videos related to a series of extortion cases in the city now dubbed 'Project Gaslight.'
Ukraine uses long-range missiles secretly provided by U.S. to hit Russian-held areas, officials say
Ukraine for the first time has begun using long-range ballistic missiles provided secretly by the United States, bombing a Russian military airfield in Crimea last week and Russian forces in another occupied area overnight, American officials said Wednesday.
Manitoba government tables bill to end ban on homegrown recreational cannabis
Manitoba is planning to lift its ban on the home growing of recreational cannabis.