Statement from the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women

OTTAWA, April 23, 2012 /CNW/ - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Minister for Status of Women, issued the following statement regarding U.S. advertisements for 'gender determination technology used for family balancing ' that recently targeted British Columbia's Indo Canadian communities. 

"I am disturbed by recent news reports describing print and online advertisements placed in a Canadian newspaper by a clinic in Bellevue, Washington targeting British Columbia's Indo-Canadian community. The ads offer pre-conception gender determination for 'family balancing purposes.' It is clear to me that the intent behind these ads is to target cultural attitudes that perpetuate discrimination against girls and women. These ads run contrary to the values of our country where men and women are equal under the law. 

As Minister for Status of Women, I join with Canadian women from all cultural communities in unreservedly condemning the practice of sex selection through the use of in vitro technology for the clear intent to perpetuate discrimination against girls. I also urge Canadian publishers to reject advertisements from clinics offering these services."

For media inquiries only:

Michelle Bakos
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Public Works and
Government Services and
Minister for Status of Women
819 997-5421