Cabinet minister stands by women's rights to abortion

With reports that access to abortion could be overturned in the United States, Saskatchewan Status of Women Minister Laura Ross maintained that services will remain accessible in the province.

Ross told reporters on Tuesday women have the right to choose an abortion, saying she stands by that right.

“I have never ever wavered from that opinion,” Ross said. “I'm pro-choice and so that is my stance that women have the right to choose.”

Questions over access to abortion were raised during question period on Tuesday following a report that the Supreme Court of the United States may overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade case that legalized abortion nationwide.

Since the leak of the report, thousands of abortion rights activists have expressed outrage. If overturned, it could lead to abortion bans in roughly half of the United States.

During question period, NDP Deputy Leader Nicole Sarauer called on the province to reaffirm its commitment for people to access abortion services.

She took aim at some Sask. Party MLAS for having a history of anti-choice views.

She pointed to a report in 2017 that stated the government caucus discussed the idea of forcing women under age 18 to receive parental consent before getting an abortion. The idea was kiboshed after it was found such legislation would violate the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The Saskatoon Star Phoenix also reported in 2017 that Premier Scott Moe, who was running for leadership at the time, stated he would continue the government's practice of not introducing new legislation on the matter despite having prolife views.

Sarauer expressed her dismay on Tuesday that Moe didn't comment on the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Other elected leaders, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, have commented on the possible decision in the United States. Conservative Party of Canada members were instructed not to comment on the matter.

“The fact that the premier won't speak up and won't say anything speaks volumes to me,” Sarauer said. “The premier is the one who is supposed to lead his cabinet and his caucus.”

When asked about the NDP bringing up the beliefs of Sask. Party MLAS, Ross said people have the right to their own opinion.

“As you know, people in Saskatchewan, not everyone has the same opinion on issues or concerns,” she said. “We do follow the law. The law in Canada and in Saskatchewan states that women have the right to that medical procedure.”

While Sarauer was glad to hear Ross holds pro-choice views, she said accessing services in the province is difficult.

Residents have to go to Saskatoon or Regina should they want a surgical procedure.

“It puts women in a very dangerous situation, having to make difficult health-care decisions on their own,” she said.

“Everybody in Saskatchewan, regardless of their demographic and regardless of their geographical location, should have access to the same type of services.”

Ross said there aren't any roadblocks for women to obtain an abortion.

She said they have a right to sit down with their doctors to discuss their plan, adding that abortion pill Mifegymiso is now covered under the Saskatchewan Drug Plan.