Yorkton-Melville MP reacts to defeated sex-selective abortion bill

April 12: Tory Leader O'Toole on abortion bill Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole says he is pro-choice and will always defend the human rights of all Canadians.

YORKTON, SASK. — Yorkton-Melville MP Cathay Wagantall’s private member bill which aimed to ban sex-selective abortions was defeated in the House of Commons earlier this month.

In a statement, Wagantall said it was a “privilege and honour” to present the bill.

If passed, Bill C-233, the Sex Selective Abortion Act, would have amended the Criminal Code to make it an offence for a medical practitioner to perform an abortion knowing it is sought on the grounds of the child’s sex.

The bill was defeated with 82 votes for and 248 against at the second reading on June 2. Two-thirds of the Conservative Members of Parliament voted in its favour.

Wagantall expressed her appreciation for the support the legislation received, adding the addition of a law such as this will not happen overnight.