Canada is more divided on abortion than the establishment politicians admit.
A new Angus Reid survey shows Canadians divided almost right down the middle on abortion.
According to the survey, 51% of Canadians say “women should have access to legal abortion at any time during a pregnancy.”
Meanwhile, 49% say “there should be a law prohibiting abortion during the third trimester of a pregnancy unless the health of the mother is in danger.”
Canada is an outlier among most countries, considering that even the most liberal nations have restrictions on third-trimester abortions.
There are regional divisions as well. A majority of people in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada want restrictions on third-trimester abortions, while a majority of people in BC and Quebec want no restrictions at all.
When it comes to partisan divisions, 68% of Conservatives want restrictions, while 39% of Liberals, and 36% of NDP supporters want restrictions.
This is a fascinating poll, as it shows the ‘consensus’ on abortion in Canada is a false consensus.
While there is no large scale appetite for a wide ranging ban on abortion, it is clear that many millions of Canadians feel there should be a law in place when it comes to third trimester abortions.
This survey shows why the Conservative Party will have to continue being open to pro-life candidates and members, and why many MP’s continue pushing for the freedom to share their opinions on late-term abortions. In a democratic country, the voices and views of millions of Canadians cannot be silenced or ignored, and the fact remains that millions of people who oppose late-term abortions (including many people in the Liberal Party and NDP), are seeking representation for their views.
Spencer Fernando
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