Hundreds of protesters met in front of parliament in Ottawa on Thursday to denounce the practice of abortion. A counter-demonstration from the pro-choice camp also began.
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The annual event was anticipated in the pro-life camp, although the number of individuals was less impressive than in recent years.
People from the pro-choice camp also gathered in front of the government building. They say they are “worried”.
“The right to abortion is not just politically. […] There are community groups, organizations that try to limit the right,” explained Gabrielle Pelletier, community coordinator at the French-speaking Center for Assistance and Combating Sexual Assault (CALACS) in Ottawa. TVA News.
“It’s my body, it’s my choice, quite simply. […] I think we are very close to the United States and I think there is an influence present at the moment,” said another woman.
For their part, people in the pro-life camp think they can “change things.”
“The message is simple, it is that abortion […] is a killing of an innocent human being,” declared Georges Buscemi of the Quebec Vie Campaign.
“It’s important to defend life,” said one demonstrator.
Two Conservative MPs delivered speeches at the pro-life demonstration.
“We are called to protect the dignity of life, from conception to natural death, because we are all made in the image and likeness of God,” said Arnold Viersen, MP for Peace River – Westlock in Alberta .
In the House of Commons, the Liberals rushed to respond to the situation. “Why must conservatives attack women’s freedom to choose?” said Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism.
The Conservatives have promised not to reopen the issue of abortion rights if his party is eventually brought to power.
