Premier, NDP spar over abortion access in Saskatchewan

With the possibility of big changes to the reproductive rights landscape in the United States, some people in Saskatchewan are taking a look at the accessibility of abortion services here.

When asked about it this week, Premier Scott Moe confirmed again that he is pro-life.

“In saying that, I’m very respectful of others that may have a differing position than me. I would also say that with respect to my position or any other caucus position, that has no bearing on the government’s policy or on the law in the nation of Canada,” said Moe.

“This is a federal law. As long as we’re a province within the Dominion of Canada, we’ll be following that law.”

In Saskatchewan, surgical abortions are only available in Regina and Saskatoon, and then only up to 12 weeks in Saskatoon and 18 weeks and six days in Regina. Mifegymiso, an abortifacient, is available at pharmacies in Saskatchewan but it can only be used up to 63 days and a prescription is required.

This week during Question Period, the NDP asked multiple questions about the government’s position on abortion and whether it would affirm a commitment to access and rights in Saskatchewan.

In her answers, Status of Women Minister Laura Ross said she supports the right to choose.

“Our government will not and will not ever impede access to reproductive rights,” said Ross.

But the NDP’s Nicole Sarauer was disappointed with the premier’s answers, saying he was just explaining a “begrudging” interest in following the letter of the law.

Sarauer had wanted an affirmation that a woman’s right to choose would be protected in Saskatchewan, that access would be enhanced, and that barriers would be removed.

Sarauer said Ross is just one voice in the Saskatchewan Party caucus, a few of whom have previously expressed pro-life sentiments. In Sarauer’s mind, this issue touches on many portfolios.

“That’s why it was so important to have the premier stand up and affirm his government’s position — not just Minister Ross’ personal position, but his government’s position,” said Sarauer.

When asked after Question Period about barriers like lack of access in places outside the two largest cities, Moe suggested that was a problem no different than some other health-care services.

“We are a rural and remote province in many cases and so this is not the only health-care procedure that is not available in every community across the province and, quite likely, into the future won’t be available in every community across the province,” said Moe.

When hearing that response, Sarauer said: “He just condemned his own government’s record on health care, so I think that pretty much speaks for itself.”

Moe also suggested someone having trouble accessing abortion services could call the health minister’s office for help.

“And we would work through those like we do with many other health issues,” said Moe, explaining the government would work through it on a case-by-case basis.

Sarauer found that suggestion offensive.

“Is this how we’re dealing with health-care issues in Saskatchewan? Especially something as sensitive as someone wanting to get abortion services? Now they don’t just have to go to their doctor but they have to go to their local politician or health minister to seek approval for getting health-care services or trying to get access to it?” said Sarauer.

“It’s horrifying to me to think that the suggestion from this premier is that the health minister and his office should be involved in this in any sort of way.”

Moe spoke multiple times about respect in these kinds of conversations — respect for the law in Canada and respect for people’s opinions and choices.

When asked whether his government was interested in or working on expanding access to abortion services, the premier passed it off as something better for his health minister to answer.

An emailed statement later said the Saskatchewan Health Authority is “continuing to look at options to improve access to services in rural communities, including access to abortion services.”