Letter to Honourable Andrew Parsons, Minister for Justice and Public Safety
The Provincial Action Network on the Status of Women is in full support of the proposed Safe Zone legislation in Newfoundland and Labrador, as stated in our letter dated November 4th 2016. We salute the many activists who fought to have this vital legislation enacted to protect doctors and service providers, as well as the women seeking this health service.
We also support and ask for an amendment to the legislation so that it offers protection not only to doctors but extends to other services providers – nurses, receptionists, social workers and clinic owners at work and in their homes.
We also wish you to consider that shortly mifepristone will be made available to all women in Canada. This will strengthen the need for both this legislation and the amendment to include all service providers.
Finally, we wish to highlight the need for additional sites within the province, specifically in rural areas that will provide abortion services. Currently, there are only two sites, both in the capitol city, which makes access for many women extremely challenging and at times impossible.
The Provincial Action Network on the Status of Women represents the eight Status of Women Councils in Newfoundland and Labrador. We are a public voice for women from a non-partisan, grassroots, and feminist perspective. Our mandate as Status of Women Council is to advocate and to lobby for gender equity.
If you have any questions or require more information, please do not hesitate to contact:
Jenny Wright
Tel: 709.753.0220
Email: jenny@sjwomenscentre.ca
Janice Kennedy
Tel: 709.643.4444
Email: executivedirector.bsgswc@gmail.com
