Last fall, members of parliament and senators were sent a copy of the September issue of Tellus, the quarterly journal of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada (PPFC), which contained the results of PPFC’s two surveys of sex education in Canada.

In its Winter 1984 issue, Tellus printed excerpts from letters received from MPs and Senators. Some of the letters excerpted were ambiguous as they do not appear to indicate support for PPFC and are merely acknowledgements of having received the magazine; others, however, appear to endorse PPFC’s goals.

Mary Collins (PC – Capilano) states “I certainly support the objectives of your federation and have spoken on this matter a number of times during the campaign… Patrick Crofton (PC – Esquimalt-Saanich) says: “It may be of interest to you that abortion was a significant issue in my election campaign. As a male, I could not in good conscience support the pro-life advocates… thus I support the enthusiasm of the Planned Parenthood Federation.

“I am firm…”

Ontario MP Harry Brightwell (PC – Perth) says: “I am firm in my statements to my constituents that I believe that everybody has a right to all of the education and scientific information that is available so that pregnancies can be avoided if that is the wish of the parents. I believe everybody seeking an abortion should have access to adequate counseling as well.”

Pauline Browes (PC – Scarborough) notes, “I appreciate knowing your concerns. As this session moves forward, I know that we will deal with many of the issues relating to family planning.”

Jennifer Cossitt (PC – Leeds-Grenville) said that she appreciated hearing PPFC’s views and suggestions and added, “I am certain that they will be given consideration by the Progressive Conservative Government in determining our policy for the future.”

Barbara Sparrow (PC – Calgary-South) hoped that there would be an “opportunity in the future to meet with representative of your Federation to discuss mutual concerns.”

Opposition leader, John Turner (Lib. – Vancouver Quadra) reminded PPFC that he was responsible for, as Justice Minister, for the amendment to the Criminal Code in 1969 allowing abortion. He reiterated the three conditions for legal abortion: that ot be performed in an approved or accredited hospital by a medical doctor; that it be approved by a committee of doctors; and that it only be performed where “the health or life of the mother is in danger.” (Mr. Turner’s quotation marks.)

Part of our record

Mr. Turner went on to say, “I am committed to negotiation, discussion and input from Canadians of every faith, religion and disposition on this issue. The views of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada are of significant interest to us and will be part of our record on this controversial issue.”

A supportive senator was Philippe Deane Gigantes (Lib. – Quebec) who said, “I support the aims of your organization. Please let me know if ever I can be of help.”

The only Quebec MP published was Donald J. Johnston (Lib. – St. Henri-Westmount) who said: “I would like to take this opportunity to commend you and your organization for the efforts made in educating Canadians on the subject of planned parenthood. The decision to bring children into this world is an important one, and should not be taken lightly. Please be assured that you can count on my complete support and co-operation.

Manitoba has the distinction of having the only NDP MP quoted. David Orlikow (NDP – Winnipeg North) wrote “…the number of abortions can be sharply reduced, if not prevented through proper education. Such education should be provided for young people in school and by what means will reach more people. I believe, however, that if a woman is pregnant and believes that she would not be able to bring up the child successfully for physical, emotional or financial reasons, that she should, in consultation with her doctor, be permitted to have an abortion.”

If, as Pauline Browes believes, this session of the House will deal with family planning issues, pro-life groups and individuals will have to be prepared to do some hard work at the constituency level and in Ottawa to impress upon the MPs that Planned Parenthood’s concept of sex education and “responsible parenthood” is not shared by Canadians as a whole.

SM