Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau: US Supreme Court ruling on abortion could mean loss of other rights

Trudeau called the court’s decision “terrible” and expressed concern that the ruling could one day allow legal protections for homosexual relationships to be reversed, including the right for same-sex couples to marry.

“We know this is an extremely, not just scary, but discouraging time for so many women,” Trudeau said at a press conference in Kigali, Rwanda, at the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

“Women have been fighting for more rights in the United States for generations, (only) to see this backlash, also to worry about how this can be expanded to take away more rights in the United States,” he said.

“This is a reminder of how we must be unequivocal in our defense of people’s rights, take nothing for granted, remain vigilant and always for women’s rights, for LGBT rights, for the rights of people who are disenfranchised , stand up and be excluded,” he added.

Which States Ban Abortion Outright? State breakdown of abortion laws, prohibitions

When asked if his administration would help American women seeking abortions in Canada, Trudeau didn’t answer directly, but said, “Everyday Americans who are in Canada have access to our health care system in Canada, and it certainly will continue to be so.” .”

However, the cost, need to travel and have a passport make this prohibitive for some Americans.

The ruling is expected to lead to abortion bans in about half of American states.

Thirteen states, mostly in the South and Midwest, already had laws banning abortion in the event Roe was overthrown. Another half-dozen states have near-total bans or bans at six weeks before many women know they are pregnant.

Trudeau vowed to continue advocating for women’s rights in the United States and elsewhere.

“We in Canada are committed to ensuring, first and foremost, that every woman has full and safe legal access to the full range of sexual health and reproductive services, including safe and legal abortion, and we have worked hard to improve access to women across the country,” Trudeau said.