Trudeau's mandatory pro-choice stance called 'barbaric'

The president of the P.E.I. Right to Life Association is upset with Justin Trudeau's statements on mandatory pro-choice views for new Liberal candidates.

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau announced Wednesday all new Liberal candidates will be expected to support the pro-choice position.

In a news release Thursday, association president Holly Pierlot, called the new policy "barbaric," adding it exhibited a serious lack of knowledge regarding research on the negative effects of abortion on women, showed a blatant disregard for the life of the created child, and violated the principles of democracy.

"A form of ideological totalitarianism really. It sort of harkens back to early American history where Catholics were not permitted to run in elections," said Pierlot.

"In a democracy, there should be a fair play of ideas, a fair debate. I know many friends of mine and people who are pro-life who are Liberal and I think he has just overstepped his bounds here."

She said the association is writing Trudeau and P.E.I. MPs voicing its concerns.