Clinic imports abortionist
Fredericton N.B. –A shortage of doctors willing to commit abortions in New Brunswick has led operators of Henry Morgentaler’s Fredericton clinic to import an abortionist from outside the province. According to Right to Life officials in New Brunswick, an abortionist arrives in Fredericton every second Thursday to carry out the procedure at Morgentaler’s Ferry St. clinic. Local pro-lifers have speculated the abortionist may be from Montreal, Halifax or even Maine. George Gilmore of New Brunswick Right to Life suggested the stigma of being associated with abortion could account for Fredericton doctor’s unwillingness to work at the clinic.
Court case drags on
Montreal –A Montreal man facing two charges stemming from pro-life witnessing has had his trial postponed to September 4. The trial was originally scheduled for June 17. Michel Tissot, a former member of the RCMP, was charged in late spring with violating a temporary injunction against pro-life activity outside Dr. Henry Morgentaler’s Montreal abortion clinic. He has also been charged with breaking probation for returning to the clinic following the initial charge. Tissot was fined $500 for violating the injunction, but has appealed the ruling.
Letters from Gibbons
Toronto –Jailed pro-life activist Linda Gibbons called on supporters to show their defense of unborn children with more then just words. In a letter to the U.S. –based Life Advocate magazine, Gibbons said support of the unborn requires direct action rather than “immoral immobilization.” Gibbons faces continuing incarceration for refusing to abide by terms of a court injunction against pro-life witnessing near Ontario abortion clinics. Her crusade has generated debate in the community about following one’s conscience and obeying civil law. A vigil in support of Gibbons is planned August 8 at the Vanier Institute for Women in Brampton.
Message hitting home
Winnipeg –The League for Life of Manitoba continues to promote the chastity message as a means of reducing the number of abortions, particularly among young people. A report in the league’s recent newsletter indicates the message is reaching its target audience. More then 25 local schools have requested information on chastity programs, and a number of commercials and information spots have been broadcast on local television stations. League officials believe the chastity message overcomes the “trivialization of sex” and encourages greater self-respect among teenagers.
Appeal for new members
Weyburn, Sask. –Officials with Saskatchewan Pro-Life are hoping an appeal to its 12 member organizations will boost province wide participation. Despite a relatively small population and great distances between cites, Saskatchewan retains a strong pro-life commitment. Weyburn for example, once boasted of having the highest per capita pro-life involvement in the country. John Sidoski of Weyburn Pro-Life, said the membership drives are a key component of pro-life solidarity. He hopes an appeal will raise membership in all of Saskatchewan’s pro-life groups.
Activist fights clinic funding
Calgary –A Calgary pro-life activist has gone to provincial court in an attempt to stop the Alberta government from funding private abortion clinics. Michael O’Malley, president of the Human Life Centre of Alberta, argued that the Canada Health Act prohibits the use of public health funding for institutions, which have been extra-billing patients. The remedy for extra- billing doctors is to remove them from public health care plans. O’Malley is disappointed the province has agreed to provide full funding to abortion clinic doctors, many of whom extra-bill their patients.
New twist to appeal case