Abortion services coming to P.E.I.: Your comments

Abortion services will be coming to P.E.I. for the first time in more than three decades, the provincial government announced Thursday, in response to a lawsuit filed seeking abortion access on the Island.

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Premier Wade MacLauchlan acknowledged the decision comes after a decades-old debate, one that still has strong view points on both sides.

"I have colleagues who are pro-choice, colleagues who are pro-life, and we didn't request them to leave that at the door. This is very much who we are and how we reflect the diversity and range of views of Prince Edward Island," he said.

You also shared your many views on the issue on CBC P.E.I.'s Facebook page.

(Please note that usernames are not necessarily the names of commenters. Some comments have been altered to correct spelling and to conform to CBC style.)

"Seriously? With all the specialists and services Islanders have to travel to Halifax for, this is the one they're going to fight for?" wrote Michelle Elissa Myers.

"It's a great idea," wrote Kathryn Thompson. "Women should have the choice. And to be closer is even better. I know a lot of people are against it but it's still the woman's choice."

"At least Islanders can truthfully say that this was not chosen but forced on them. Choice after all is not a principle but a euphemism for a specific position on one specific issue," wrote Kevin Hedges.

"I may not agree, but it is a women's choice, not a guy's choice," wrote Alfred Keep. "Well done P.E.I."

"To any of those in the pro-life crowd, if you want to prevent abortions, how about working to prevent the causes for them, such as unplanned pregnancy and the high cost of raising a child," wrote Kailee MacWilliam "Better sex education, better access to birth control, and more supports for single/young parents would go a long way to helping lower the number of abortions without restricting a woman's access to health care."

"Our Island should be hanging it's head in shame, instead of rejoicing … We will continue to be a voice for the voiceless," wrote Lori Currie. "Providing education and materials that would make abortion unnecessary is on my check list, thank you very much."

Many of the comments were also short responses to show where people stand — with "yes! and "it's about time" for those who support the government's decision and "sad news" and "this ain't right" for those against it.