Canadians marched in front of the French Embassy and consulates June 21 to proclaim they don’t want any “killer” drugs allowed in this country.The protesters said Canadians are opposed to the controversial abortion pill RU-486 “RU-486 is another example of pharmaceutical companies exploiting women for financial profit,” said John Hof, national vice-president of Campaign Life Coalition. The protest was part of an international campaign to put pressure on the French government which cooperates with the French company Rousell-Uclaf to produce the pill. There were 12 people outside the French Embassy in Ottawa, 25 at the consulate in Toronto, 20 in Montreal and 30 in Vancouver. The Vancouver march was disrupted by a group called Coalition United to Fight Oppression, which is affiliated with the International Socialists. The small group tried to kick at the signs and one member spat at a pro-lifer. Also targeted were the offices of Roussel Canada Inc. and its affiliate Hoeckst-Roussel and Hoechst-Calanese. In Toronto, Campaign Life Coalition representatives were able to meet with the consul general. They informed him of the boycott against French products and told him the drug was not acceptable to Canadians. The pill induces an abortion up to 16 weeks into the pregnancy and has severe side effects and has resulted in the death of at least one mother. It has been roundly denounced by pro-life groups and some feminist organizations. It is legal in France, Britain, Sweden and the Clinton administration has encouraged tests in the U.S. So far there are no plans to introduce the pill in Canada. The Canadian action tied in to international efforts timed to coincide with the shareholders meeting of the company June 21. There was a strong presence in France, Italy, Ireland, Australia and the U.S. protesting the drug. |
