The approach to abortion by the Minister for the Status of Women, Martine Biron, is fueling the anger of women’s groups, who say they are ignored by the elected official – who has also canceled certain meetings scheduled with them.
“She does not listen to us,” said Jess Legault, general coordinator of the Quebec Federation for Birth Planning (FQPN), in an interview on Wednesday.
“We are extremely concerned that the Minister continues to persist on this issue. We meet her, we bring her facts, studies, and she brushes them aside, ”she added.
“No, no, no,” replied the minister on her arrival at the National Assembly, when The duty told her that women’s groups thought she was turning a deaf ear to their concerns. “There are people who have reservations, I knew that from the start, and there are others who have enthusiasm. »
Mme Biron then hinted that she could give up the legislative route to make her wish come true. “What I’m doing is talking to these groups to try to find the strongest path, the best path to protect women’s right to choose abortion. »
The duty reported Wednesday warnings from the Barreau du Québec and women’s rights experts about the minister’s intention to legislate to consolidate the right to abortion in Quebec. This approach risks having the opposite effect to Ms.me Biron: it would, in fact, put the right to abortion at risk, they warned.
The alarm signals of the Bar found an echo at the Fédération des femmes du Québec (FFQ). “Of course it shows government action, but in reality, it really puts our rights at risk,” summarized President Sylvie St-Amand.
“It is worrying. Especially since it’s been years since [nous] let’s say that a law would only harm women’s rights. And despite that, we are not heard. »
Canceled meetings
The FFQ demanded a meeting with Minister Biron. “But she canceled it,” lamented Mme St-Amand. “We, what we see on the ground, is that the groups have not been able to express themselves. And it’s unanimous [parmi les groupes de femmes] : everyone is against. So I don’t know who she consulted, but clearly it’s not the people directly involved. »
Jess Legault confirmed that the FQPN met the minister at the beginning of May and a few times since. But the exchanges that were to take place with other women’s groups on Thursday have been canceled, she said. These groups will finally be able to meet the Deputy Minister of Mme Biron in August, according to Ms. Legault.
Asked about the position of the Bar, the minister replied that it was “right to its opinion”. “But there are other very serious bands that I listened to too [et] who have other opinions,” she added.
Mme Biron declined to name the organizations that support his initiative, saying he has guaranteed them confidentiality. She reiterated that her goal was to “protect women’s right to choose abortion.”
Focus on accessibility
Like other people with whom The duty spoke, Mr.me St-Amand suggested to Minister Biron to do things differently if she wants to protect the right to abortion. “It would be better for her to take care of accessibility,” insisted the president of the FFQ.
Access to abortion in the regions remains more difficult and the opening hours of clinics are limited, she recalled. “And women with a precarious migration status, who don’t have access to health insurance, it’s difficult for them. »
The League of Rights and Freedoms made the same proposal. “The Government of Quebec should instead ensure access to abortion everywhere in Quebec, like any health care,” the organization wrote in a statement. tweet.
“I hope that Martine Biron will listen to the warnings that accumulate against the fact of legislating. I don’t understand his stubbornness in politicizing the right to abortion. The priority is access and making the means of contraception free”, also reacted the deputy Ruba Ghazal, of Quebec solidaire.
“What the groups are asking for is better service, especially in the regions, which is a much more pressing issue,” said Parti Québécois MP Joël Arseneau. “If there were a threat to the right to abortion, we would obviously be in favor of any measure to solidify this right. However, this is clearly established here in Quebec and there is currently no debate on it. The minister must listen to the experts. »
With Alexandre Robillard