The Politics of Abortion in New Brunswick
Keywords:
abortion, rights, morality, citizenship, New Brunswick, political climate, social climateAbstract
Abstract
This paper examines one of the most notorious, yet largely overlooked, provinces in terms of abortion access in Canada: New Brunswick. Through an exploration of the provincial government’s activities and litigation in the province, this article traces the history of abortion regulation in New Brunswick, with particular attention paid to the manner in which social movement activism has shaped policy. It argues for the need to reframe abortion as a matter of equal citizenship. Specifically, it suggests that such a rethinking could generate political pressure for recognition and improved services, and stimulate a public discourse that has the potential to begin breaking down the more complex, extra-legal barriers faced by women in Canada.
Résumé
Cet article examine l’une des provinces les plus notoires, mais pourtant grandement négligée, en termes d’accès à l’avortement au Canada, c’est-à-dire le Nouveau-Brunswick. À travers un examen des activités du gouvernement provincial et des litiges dans la province, cet article explore l’histoire de la réglementation de l’avortement au Nouveau-Brunswick, en portant une attention particulière à la façon dont l’activisme du mouvement social a contribué à façonner les politiques. Il fait valoir la nécessité de resituer le contexte de l’avortement comme une question d’égalité des citoyens. Plus spécifiquement, il suggère qu’une nouvelle façon de penser pourrait créer des pressions politiques pour la reconnaissance et l’amélioration des services et stimuler une discussion publique qui pourrait peut-être commencer à éliminer les obstacles plus complexes et extrajudiciaires auxquels les femmes font face au Canada.
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Cases Cited
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