I just ran across this article on MSN.ca. I don't have time to do the research needed to fully flush this issue out, but I wanted to point it out to you all.Basically, the Liberals have introduced a motion in the House of Commons requiring the Federal Government to ensure its maternal health proposal to the G8 is based on "scientific evidence, which proves that education and family planning can prevent as many as one in every three maternal deaths" and refrain from the "failed right-wing ideologies" of former U.S. president George W. Bush. Canada's proposal to the G8 must include "the full range of family planning, sexual and reproductive health options, including contraception," according to the motion.
It appears to me to be being pitched as a contraception motion, but I think it goes further than that. The full range of sexual and reproductive health options generally includes abortion. I suspect this is the Liberal's attempt to bring up the abortion debate again.
***Author's Note- I have done no real research on this motion, so the following commentary is just me speculating/ranting/editorializing. If you have further information on this, please post a link in the comment box***
Why are the Liberals doing this?
Well, if you follow the polls, the Conservatives, despite the Liberal's and media's attempt to stir up trouble by claiming the government unconstitutionally prorogued parliament, are beating the Liberals. They've increased their lead over the Liberals which seems to puzzle the media.
I think Michael Ignatieff & Co are desperate to do something- anything- to bring the Conservatives down. (Personally, I think the best thing Mr. Ignatieff could do to increase his parties support is step down, but why would he ever listen to me?) I think he believes that reopening the abortion debate will allow him to bring back the spectre of the "secret agenda" that Jean Chretien used so successfully for years.
I think his strategy is "lets make the government seem anti-women's rights and then people will vote for us and we won't even have to come up with a coherent plan for running this country."
But I think that strategy is going to fail.
Why?
Because recent polls are showing that young people are becoming even more pro-life. Young Adults (my generation) are the mostly likely age group to agree that abortion should be illegal in all circumstances.
(Yes, I know the poll was of US young adults, but based on hope, and my contacts in the pro-life world in Canada, I think the same is true here)
And I'm praying that it DOES reopen the abortion debate. I've said it many times before on this blog, and I'm sure I will say it again- an open debate on abortion is the only way things will change. We have science and the truth on our side, and when people hear the truth and see the value in the arguments, they are forced to truly examine the issue. Once that happens, it's hard to stay pro-choice.
So Mr. Ignatieff, please do reopen the debate. I just hope you are ready for the consequences of it when it backfires spectacularly!
And everyone- please contact your MP and ask them to vote against this motion. Contraception in the form of condoms and the pill will do nothing to protect women in the developing world. If you give them contraception the following will occur:
- They won't be used because of cultural taboos;
- The Western mindset of "sexual liberation" will lead to further violence against women including rapes, stoning and genital mutilation because their will be no respect for women who will be seen as available for no consequences sex at anytime (don't believe me? Look at our culture and see how much respect for women has advanced in the last 30 years);
Sex unites the couple and gives the the unique ability to come together and participate in the act of creation. Contraception denies the couple the ability to be open to that act of creation, and it creates a barrier to the unity of husband and wife. Sex should be a life-giving act where both partners give fully of themselves to each other. Contraception prevents the couple from giving all of themselves to each other.
There is enough suffering in this world Mr. Ignatieff. Do you really want to create more by pushing the contraceptive mentality?
UPDATE: March 24, 2010 9:20 AM MST
The motion failed by a vote of 144-138. See here for details. It appears that 3 Liberal MP's voted against the motion (even though it was a whipped vote!) and several failed to show up to vote. If your MP voted against, please give him/her a call and thank them.
It's only by taking action and letting our elected representatives know how we feel that we can succeed.
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