Yesterday, in "Mainstream media suddenly discover sex-selective abortion is wrong", Walt gave you links to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's very good investigative journalism piece on the use in Canada of "entertainment ultrasounds". Women of the Indo-Canadian and other Asian communities get tested as early as 14 weeks into their pregnancies so, if the fetus is female, they can kill it.
Am I speaking too plainly here? Monte Sonnenberg, a columnist for the QMI Agency, doesn't think so. Here, in its entirety, is his piece headed "Gender-specific abortion should be against the law", published earlier this week
The Harper government's willingness to address the defects of multiculturalism is one of its strong suits. This government is the first in decades to stand up for core Canadian values in the face of foreign customs that are at variance with them. At last, a cohesive Canada where integration is the rule--not the exception --enjoys priority.
Unfortunately, the vigilance we have come to expect from this government tends to focus on a common theme: the mistreatment of women. This government has spoken out against honour killings and oppressive dress codes that marginalize women. It also enforces laws against female genital mutilation. One of the compelling mandates that keeps Canada in Afghanistan is the horrid treatment of women there at the hands of primitive, barbaric men.
Now Ottawa faces a new challenge. Thanks to ultrasound technology, the medical profession today can tell the gender of unborn children early in a pregnancy. Responsible clinics refuse to divulge test results before the 20-week mark, which normally marks the closure of the window for elective abortions.
However, old ways die hard. Evidence is emerging that many ultrasound clinics are only too happy to release these results far in advance of the 20-week threshold. These clinics cater to new Canadians who hail from countries where the birth of a boy is cause for celebration while girls are often regarded as a burden. There have been reports of expectant mothers coerced into abortions on the basis of these test results. This is offensive and has to stop.
The feminist lobby has neutralized itself on this issue due to its all-in support for abortion on demand. Those who traditionally speak for women fear opening a floodgate if they speak up for unborn girls.
Someone needs to step into the breach. Only the federal government will do, for the situation calls for Criminal Code amendments to prohibit aiding and abetting gender-specific abortions. Something of the kind is urgently needed. No one likes to interfere with the internal workings of a family. But Canadians will not tolerate callous practices and attitudes that have given rise to ludicrous gender imbalances in some of the world's most populous nations.
Well said, Monte! If you agree with Monte (and Walt), write to your MP (if you're Canadian), and be sure to send a copy to Stephen Woodworth, Conservative MP for Kitchener Centre, who is fighting courageously to get the abortion issue back on the House of Commons order paper. The mailing address for all MPs is: House of Commons, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A6 -- and you don't need a stamp!
Further reading from Walt's previous posts: "In what way is Canada like India?", "Prime Minister calls abortion 'murder'"
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