On Sex Selective Abortion (Bill C-233)

On February 26th, 2020, MP Cathay Wagantall proposed (Bill C-233), The Selective Sex Abortion Act. This Bill works to combat sex-selective abortion and amends the Criminal Code to legally prohibit a medical practitioner from performing a sex-selective abortion. Sex-selective abortion disproportionately affects female unborn children as they are targeted solely for their gender. Canada is a progressive country committed to equality however, sex-selective abortions actively undermine equality. This discrimination is not only disheartening but also a violation of human rights. As we know it is unjust to discriminate against a person based on their protected characteristics such as; race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability. Thus, banning sex-selective abortions would seek to further protect some of the most vulnerable Canadians, beginning at the earliest stages of life.

Sex-selective abortions are a well-known issue in South East Asia. While it may seem like an antiquated practice in developed nations such as Canada unfortunately, it is very much a reality. Canada ranks 5th globally on providing the most liberties for its citizens however, sex-selective abortions threaten the liberties of unborn children. As such, due process should be followed to protect the rights of the individual regardless of age, race, location (inside the womb), or sex. If we are to move toward an impartial society, free from discrimination then we must not encumber a person’s right to life given their sex as we wouldn’t for any other immutable characteristic.

The legal acceptance of sex-selective abortion enables inequalities that go far beyond the realm of those directly affected and contaminate an entire host of future generations such as skewed sex ratios and further perpetuating the stigmatization of female inferiority, beginning at conception. As a Sri Lankan Canadian, I have noticed the consequences of these stigmas. I have seen parents be more anxious with the pregnancy of a daughter and less so with a son. Historically, girls have been considered liabilities while boys were assets. This dichotomy isn’t conducive to societal well-being. In an effort to resist this, I am committed to ensuring my infant daughter knows her life was the most precious gift for our family and that her gender is not a disadvantage.

One of the primary functions of the Canadian government is to ensure safety. Canada has made many strides toward equality with amendments to The Charter of Rights and Freedoms to increase inclusivity and ensure impartial treatment and protection of marginalized groups. Legal protections of individuals must begin at the earliest stages of life. We can not leave unborn children bereft of their right to life solely based on their sex. Enacting (Bill C-233) Canada can become a catalyst in humanitarian endeavours while serving as a beacon of hope to developing nations where gender inequality persists. If we truly hope to eradicate society of discrimination then it must begin at conception, without exception. We must address that it is unacceptable to determine the worthiness of a human, based on their sex, like any other immutable characteristic. We can not displace females any further by perpetuating harmful stereotypes of gender inequality. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that the social responsibility of protecting societies’ most vulnerable is the onus of both the individual and government. (Bill C-233) seeks to protect unborn children from sex-selective abortion, securing their right to life and dispensing with archaic gender biases. Thus, leading to a more equal and progressive society.

Written by Pramini Warnock (Holy Cross Roman Catholic Parish, Archdiocese of St. Boniface)