Maternal Health Includes Abortion

Women's Rights Activists Protest Today at Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Summit

TORONTO, May 28, 2014 /CNW/ - Women's rights activists from the Ontario Coalition for Abortion Clinics (OCAC) will be protesting today at 5:30 p.m. outside the Royal York Hotel on York Street against the Harper government's policy which excludes funding for abortions in developing countries.

They will also be demanding the enforcement of the Canada Health Act to ensure abortion services in New Brunswick.

Canada is hosting the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Summit that will bring experts and world leaders together to discuss the reproductive health needs of women in developing nations. The Prime Minister has been quoted as saying "together we are committed to moving the world towards a day when women in developing countries will not die or suffer disability from pregnancy or childbirth."

"It is estimated that up to 47,000 women die annually across the globe from illegal abortions. This is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. Yet Canada refuses to put in place policies that could greatly alleviate the suffering and death faced by so many women," said the OCAC's Carolyn Egan.

A public forum, The Future of Muskoka: Realizing Women's Right to Health, will be held at 7 p.m. at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, 252 Bloor Street W.

Speakers will include MP Niki Ashton, NDP Status of Women critic; Michele Landsberg, journalist and author; Ishita Chaudry, founding members of RESUR (Realizing Sexual and Reproductive Justice) in India; Joe Cressy, NDP candidate in the Trinity–Spadina federal by-election; and Carolyn Egan of OCAC. They will discuss Canada`s contribution to maternal, newborn and child health and the need for abortion services, family planning and reproductive rights.

SOURCE: Ontario Coalition for Abortion Clinics (OCAC)

Contacts: Carolyn Egan, 416-806-7985; Michelle Robidoux, 416-856-5008