How Sask. MPs voted in controversial start-of-life motion

Parliament has rejected a controversial motion to study the definition of when life begins — but most Saskatchewan MPs voted in favour.

Ontario MP Stephen Woodworth introduced the motion on Sept. 26 calling for the creation of a committee to study when life begins.

The motion was defeated 203-91. In Saskatchewan, 10 of 13 MPs voted in favour of the motion.

House Speaker Andrew Scheer, Conservative MP for Regina-Qu'Appelle, did not vote.

Currently, the Criminal Code states "a child becomes a human being only at the moment of complete birth."

Prime Minister Stephen Harper voted against the motion, but 53 per cent of the Tory caucus voted in favour. Not all Saskatchewan Conservative MPs voted the same way, either. Randy Hoback and Lynne Yelich opposed the motion.

Here's how Saskatchewan MPs voted:

In favour

• David Anderson, Conservative (Cypress Hills-Grasslands)
• Kelly Block, Conservative (Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar)
• Ray Boughen, Conservative (Palliser)
• Garry Breitkreuz, Conservative (Yorkton-Melville)
• Rob Clarke, Conservative (Desnethé-Missinippi-Churchill River)
• Ed Komarnicki, Conservative (Souris-Moose Mountain)
• Tom Lukiwski, Conservative (Regina-Lumsden Lake Centre)
• Gerry Ritz, Conservative (Battlefords-Lloydminster)
• Brad Trost, Conservative (Saskatoon-Humboldt)
• Maurice Vellacott, Conservative (Saskatoon-Wanuskewin)

Opposed

• Ralph Goodale, Liberal (Wascana)
• Randy Hoback, Conservative (Prince Albert)
• Lynne Yelich, Conservative (Blackstrap)