As the federal election draws closer it has become clear that Canada will not be governed by a pro-life political party with a pro-life leader come October 26. The major parties, of which one will certainly form the government, have indicated their reluctance to address the issues of abortion and euthanasia. In the absence of a pro-life leader and pro-life policy, what can pro-life members of Parliament do? Plenty!
Pro-life members of Parliament from all political parties can keep the issue of abortion before Parliament and run interference against those who would legalize euthanasia. Aside from the ongoing caucus and private discussions in which they can present their own strong pro-life views, there are many Parliamentary processes through which the V cause can be furthered.
The most obvious is the introduction of private members’ bills, a method which our current prime minister is reported to favour for dealing with the abortion issue. Although the lottery system by which these bills are chosen for debate makes prudent a strong belief in the intervention of the Deity in these matters, if chosen, debated and passes by both Houses of Parliament, these bills do in fact become law. An abortion law drafted by a private member will have the same force as one drafted by the department of justice.
There are also private members’ motions, which do not carry the force of law, but simply show the desire of the House of Commons for Parliament to do something. Passage of a pro-life motion on abortion would put extreme pressure on the government to address the issue.
Aside from legislative initiatives, pro-life members of Parliament have daily opportunities to bring forward pro-life issues. They can ask questions, either verbally in the House or in written form on the Order Paper. They can also make use of Members’ Statements in the time allotted each sitting day for these one minute speeches. They can present petitions from pro-life constituents.
Much of an MP’s day is taken up with committee work, and in this area too, the pro-life cause can be furthered. Pro-life MPs can ensure that pro-life witnesses are called to testify before committees examining issues which impact on the pro-life movement.
When the election is over we will not be governed by a pro-life prime minister or party, but there is an excellent chance that a majority of members of Parliament will hold a pro-life position. Each of them has one vote – just like Kim Campbell, Jean Chrétien or Audry McLaughlin. Collectively, they can ensure that not a day goes by without pro-life issues being addressed somewhere on the Parliamentary agenda. Together, they can pass private legislation on abortion and defeat initiatives to legalize euthanasia.
A pro-life Parliament requires neither leaders nor policies; a pro-life Parliament simply requires a majority of members who are pro-life.
