Bette Stephenson
Extract
The CMA is not in favour of “abortion on demand”; indeed we are very concerned with the very large and growing number of abortions being performed. . .Our primary aim is to improve family planning programs and, in every way possible, reduce unwanted pregnancies and the need for abortion. . . We believe there is a great need to clarify government policy regarding the abortion laws and for much more meaningful leadership from the federal and provincial governments and the medical profession of Canada to evolve an effective, comprehensive national family planning program. . . .Contrary to a frequent misinterpretation that the CMA is pro-abortion, the association, in fact, is much more strongly pro-prevention of the problem of unwanted pregnancy. If the news media had publicized that important portion of my presentation to the Empire Club regarding the need for effective educational and family planning programs as widely as it did that part related to the problems of abortion, you would have gained a much more accurate view of the policies of the association.
Keywords:
Stephenson B. Abortion: an open letter (CMA President). Can Med Assoc J. 1975;112(4):492. Available from: