Harper government caves on Unborn Victims bill

An apparent attempt by the Conservative government to keep abortion out of the next federal election has shocked and disappointed pro-life Canadians.

Amid rumours of an October federal election, Justice Minister Rob Nicholson Aug. 25 distanced the government from Edmonton Sherwood Park MP Ken Epp's Unborn Victims of Crime Bill.

"We've heard criticisms from across the country including representatives from the medical community that Mr. Epp's bill as presently drafted could be interpreted as instilling fetal rights," Nicholson said.

"Let me be clear. Our government will not reopen the debate on abortion."

But one pro-life leader said Nicholson, a Catholic, moved beyond the Conservative Party's previous refusal to take a stand one way or another on abortion.

"He definitely entered the abortion debate - on the side of the pro-abortion camp," said Campaign Life Coalition (CLC) president Jim Hughes. "(Epp's) private members' bill had a real chance of being passed and the Conservatives are denying the humanity of the child in the womb."