Issue of sex-selective abortion raised in Tory leadership race
A pair of Conservative leadership hopefuls say it’s time for Canada to have a free and open debate about sex-selective abortion — a position that’s raising concerns about the revival of old party divisions.
Pierre Lemieux, a former Ontario Tory MP, promised Sunday that under his leadership the Conservative platform will include a pledge to take action against sex-selective abortion. He vowed he would work to eliminate the practice if he becomes prime minister.
“I believe it is wrong to end a pregnancy based solely on the belief that a baby girl is worth less than a baby boy,” Lemieux, one of the lower-profile hopefuls in the 14candidate race, said in a new campaign video.
“As a father of four daughters, this issue is particularly close to my heart and I stand with those Canadians who have serious concerns about gender-selective abortion.
“I believe that politicians should have the courage to debate these issues in an open and respectful way.”
The issue of sex-selective abortion has been a source of controversy within the Conservative ranks in the past.
In 2013, about 20 Tory MPs were infuriated when fellow MP Mark Warawa’s motion condemning sexselective abortion was blocked. The dispute eventually led MP Brent Rathgeber to quit the Conservative caucus.
Lemieux, who lost his seat in last year’s election, urged people who believe in a respectful debate on this type of issue to donate to his campaign.
Later Sunday, leadership rival Brad Trost applauded Lemieux for raising an issue that he says the party’s membership has voted to condemn. Trost says he’s also brought up the matter during the campaign.
“Pierre and I are endorsing party policy and I think the other candidates in the leadership race need to say, do they or do they not support party policy when it comes to gender-selection abortion?” the veteran Saskatchewan MP said in an interview.
“Others will dodge and try not to answer the question and I don’t think that’s what real leaders do.”
Some studies have suggested that sex-selective abortion could be an issue in Canada.