Global Courant 2023-04-21 04:00:03
Canada’s family affairs minister says the federal government is willing to allow Americans access to a widely used abortion pill that could be restricted in the United States.
The U.S. Supreme Court is considering limiting access to mifepristone in response to a legal challenge filed in Texas.
Speaking to CTV’s Power Play host Vassy Kapelos, Family Affairs Secretary Karina Gould said Thursday that the federal government “would work to provide that for American women” should the drug be banned in the U.S.
“What worries me, Vassy, is where you see laws in states where they actually criminalize women[who]cross state lines to access reproductive health care,” Gould said.
“And so, you know, we have to think very carefully about how we do this to make sure we don’t further endanger American women, you know, who are seeking access to reproductive health care and services, as well as health-care providers.”
Asked if Canada has sufficient supplies of mifepristone, Gould said that while “we’re not there yet,” it’s something the federal government is thinking about and actively… working on.
“I know this is an active conversation in the United States,” she said. “Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.”
Earlier in April, a U.S. federal judge issued a ruling that would revoke the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval of mifepristone. The FDA approved mifepristone in 2000.
After giving themselves a Wednesday deadline, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito issued a one-sentence order, giving the court more time to think. A decision could be made Friday evening.
In conversation with Kapelos May 2022Gould affirmed that American women in Canada could get an abortion if the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision.
“I don’t see why we shouldn’t,” Gould said at the time. “If they, people, come here and need access, that’s certainly a service that would be provided.”
In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, leaving states to decide whether to restrict access to abortion.
With files from The Associated Press
