‘Charges in this case don’t represent what happened’
Group wants Criminal Code to recognize fetus as a victim
The father of an unborn child who died when her mother was killed last December was among the family members who handed over 14,000 signatures Thursday to MP Brian Masse (NDP — Windsor West) hoping to get the criminal code changed to count the baby as a victim.
Jeff Durham helped gather the signatures on the petitions for the campaign known as Molly Matters — named after the unborn child Durham shared with Cassandra Kaake, 31, who was seven months pregnant when she was found dead at the scene of a house fire on Dec. 11, 2014.
The petition was presented to Masse Thursday — on the eve of the first anniversary of Kaake’s death.
Matthew Brush is facing several charges, including first-degree murder, in the mother’s death.
Durham and other family members have also wanted justice for the unborn child who under the Criminal Code is not counted as a victim.
“Whether you are an unborn child or full-grown woman — life is life,” Durham told the Star earlier this year.
“The charges in this case don’t represent what happened.”
Politicians in Canada have backed off from supporting the legislative change previously due to fears of creating a slippery slope that may make women liable should they choose to end their pregnancy through abortion.
Masse plans to table the petitions early in the new year in the House of Commons.
Minister of Justice Jody Wilson-Raybould will then have to provide an official response.
“It’s a complicated issue, but the petitions will be submitted and we will wait for the government’s response,” Masse said.
“It’s a significant tragedy and the family’s efforts have been understandable.
“There are no words to console them in this situation.”