Sask. premier doesn't reply to Opposition's call to reaffirm abortion rights
Call comes in light of news that U.S. Supreme Court may overturn Roe v. Wade
Saskatchewan's Opposition is urging Premier Scott Moe to reaffirm women's reproductive rights in light of an indication that they might be overturned in the United States.
NDP justice critic Nicole Sarauer asked the premier in the legislature to clarify the Saskatchewan Party government's stance on abortion.
Minister for the Status of Women Laura Ross rose instead to say women in Canada have the right to choose and barriers don't exist for anyone wanting an abortion.
Sarauer was responding to a leaked draft decision showing the U.S. Supreme Court is considering overturning the 50-year-old Roe vs. Wade landmark decision guaranteeing the right to an abortion.
She brought up past anti-abortion statements made by caucus members and noted that Moe was endorsed by an anti-abortion group when he ran to become premier.
Moe did not respond to a request for comment.
'To say nothing speaks volumes': Opposition
"This is the chance for the premier to speak up on behalf of all Saskatchewan women to [affirm] the government's stance on abortion and [to ensure] that all abortion services are as available as possible in this province," Sarauer said Tuesday.
"To say nothing speaks volumes on where he really stands on this issue."
She also criticized Ross's remarks that women in Saskatchewan don't face roadblocks in getting access to abortions.
"This should be an equality issue, that regardless of their demographic, their geographical location, [they] should have the same type of [health] services as anyone else."
Surgical abortions are provided through hospitals in Regina up to 18 weeks with no referral. They are done up to 12 weeks in Saskatoon, but a doctor's referral is needed.