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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.