What has each party done for reproductive rights?

Find out what each major political party in Canada has done for – and against – reproductive rights and justice. (Have we missed something? Let us know!)

UPDATE: The party platforms are out! We’ve edited this piece to include relevant parts of each platform. (Note: We did not analyze them except to make clarifying comments on two Conservatve promises.)

Liberal Party / Government

Positives:

• Frequent public statements by Prime Minister and previous Party Leader Justin Trudeau in favour of gender equality, reproductive rights, and abortion rights. 
• Ended Canada Summer Jobs funding for anti-choice groups (2018)
• Began Sexual and Reproductive Health Fund in 2022, and expanded it in 2024, providing $81 million in funding for Canadian community organizations, including training for doctors and support for abortion helplines.
• Began federal Pharmacare program for contraception (and diabetes medications) in 2024.
• Created a web portal for abortion at the Health Canada website in 2024.
• Funded reproductive health and safe abortion in developing countries since 2015. Committed over $200 million in 2024 to advance reproductive health for women and girls globally.
• Introduced proposed amendments to Income Tax Act to regulate anti-choice “crisis pregnancy centres” that are charities, requiring them to transparently disclose if they provide abortion and contraception or not. (2024; prorogation of parliament interrupted this action) 
• Requires all caucus members to vote against any anti-choice bill or motion. (May still technically allow anti-choice candidates to run but no evidence this has happened).  

Negatives: 

• Took too long to get things done, thereby losing the Income Tax Act amendment, and endangering the incoming Pharmacare program and other measures. 
• Denied SRH funding for Abortion Care Canada in Jan 2025, which will devastate abortion access in Canada. 
• While global initiatives are commendable, the focus has often been on international rather than domestic inequities in reproductive care access.
• Sometimes uses abortion as a wedge issue to attack the Conservatives, particularly during elections or party leadership contests. 

Party Platform:

The Canada Strong platform promises to:

• Make the Sexual and Reproductive Health Fund Program permanent.
• Invest in women’s sexual and reproductive health care and health research, including for those within the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
• Defend the Canada Health Act, and protect dental care and pharmacare.
• Stand up for the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and ensure the protection of women, people with disabilities, racialized and Indigenous communities, and 2SLGBTQI+ people.
• Establish a new in vitro fertilization (IVF) program.
• Address the under-researched area of postpartum maternal health by investing in research into postpartum maternal health.
• Invest in increased collection of data to help address women’s health gaps in Canada.
• Work to end gender-based violence.
• Protect and strengthen child care in Canada. 
• Apply the Gender-Based Analysis tool to reflect the identities and values of all Canadians, and review policies and programs using an intersectional lens.

Conservative Party 

Positives:

Policy Declaration: The Conservative Party’s Policy Declaration (2021) states that the party “will not support any legislation to regulate abortion” while in government. (However, anti-abortion groups have tried to have this policy voted out at past conventions.)

Negatives: 

Private Members’ Bills:

• Conservative MPs have introduced many bills over the years aimed at restricting abortion access. Although they were all defeated, they signify ongoing attempts within the party to limit abortion rights, and perennially reignite debate about abortion in Parliament and within the party. (List of bills/motions). Here’s the most recent three bills, all introduced by MP Cathay Wagantall:
  • Bill C-225 (2016) to protect fetuses from third-party attacks, thereby bestowing a degree of fetal personhood. ARCC’s response.
  • Bill C-233 (2020) to amend the Criminal Code to prohibit sex-selective abortions. ARCC’s response.
  • Bill C-311 (2023) to amend the Criminal Code to create an “aggravating circumstance” clause allowing for greater penalties when a pregnant person is attacked. ARCC’s response.

• Policy Declaration: Free votes on issues of moral conscience such as abortion, the definition of marriage, and euthanasia (Policy #10)

Influence of Anti-choice Members:

• Every MP in the Conservative Party is listed as anti-choice because they unanimously voted in favour of Bill C-311 in 2023 (Members of Parliament with an Anti-Choice Stance) 
• Anti-choice members, including former leader Andrew Scheer, have raised concerns about abortion rights, despite the party’s official stance of not supporting any legislation. Their influence may affect the party’s stance if it gains power. For example, former Conservative MP Alain Rayes, who left the party, claims that the number of anti-abortion Conservative members of Parliament is growing, and that anti-abortion activists have influence within the party apparatus. (cbc.ca)
• Anti-choice MPs attending events such as March for Life, providing monetary “gifts” to anti-choice groups, and awarding royal medals to anti-choice advocates. 

Policy Shifts:

• Although the Conservative Party officially opposes any legislation to regulate abortion, there is a risk that the party could shift its position under new leadership or growing internal pressure, leading to potential restrictions on abortion access.  Further, restrictions on abortion access may occur through the passing of private member bills, which pose the biggest threat and seem to be allowed. 

Anti-trans Rhetoric and Action: 

• Members of the party including Pierre Polievre have been repeating anti trans rhetoric, such as “there are only two genders,” which disregards the existence of intersex, 2-spirited and trans individuals.  (Toronto Star)
• At the party’s annual convention in 2023, delegates voted in favour of motions calling for an eventual Tory government to implement “bathroom bill” laws and end gender-affirming care for youth. (TVO Today)

Current Policy Declarations:

The Conservative Party’s Policy Declaration (2021) contains many objectionable measures that oppose or would undermine human rights. The following are paraphrased to make clear the intended or likely meaning:  (from ARCC’s Whipping the Conservative Party)

• Compelling universities to allow anti-choice expression and hate speech on campuses (19)
• Protecting healthcare workers to refuse to participate in or refer patients for abortion or medical assistance in dying (68)
• Opposing the right to medical assistance in dying (68, 77)
• Prohibiting research using embryos (75)
• Excluding abortion from Canada’s maternal and child health programs abroad. (79)
• Condemning sex-selection abortions. (89)
• Amending the human rights code to allow faith-based organizations to discriminate based on their beliefs (95)
• Changing the criteria for Canada Summer Jobs to make anti-choice groups eligible for funding again. (96)
• Supporting legislation to grant fetal personhood by making it a separate crime to harm or kill a fetus during a crime against a pregnant person. (112)
• Supporting legislation to mandate “life-saving care” and “intensive care” for fetuses born alive after an abortion. (118)
• Opposing the rights of sex workers and the decriminalization of prostitution. (120) 

Internal Divisions:

The party contains a range of views on abortion, from pro-choice to staunchly anti-choice. This diversity has led to tensions within the party, with some members continuing to push for legislation that could undermine abortion rights, while others want the party to take a moderate stance. (en.wikipedia.org)

• Leadership Statements: Former leader Andrew Scheer, who is considered anti-choice, has stated that he would respect the party’s official policy on abortion, which currently opposes any legislation to regulate abortion. However, his personal views have raised concerns among pro-choice advocates. en.wikipedia.org

Position on Federal Support for Reproductive Rights:

• Although Pierre Poilievre has stated that abortion is not a priority for his party, his support for provincial autonomy over healthcare issues could potentially lead to provinces curbing abortion access if they choose to, without federal intervention.
• Pierre Polievre has made statements that he would push for adoption over legislation abortion – however, adoption is not a stand-in for reproductive rights. (National Post)

Party Platform:

The Canada First for a Change platform promises to:

• Maintain the party’s 21-year-old policy that a “Conservative Government will not support any legislation to regulate abortion.” There will be no laws, rules or regulations passed restricting abortion.
• Defend women’s safety by repealing Commissioner’s Directive 100, which allows male offenders to be housed in women’s prisons and ensure that women’s spaces and services remain protected in federal institutions and policy. [This is an anti-trans position.]
• Stop intimate partner violence with stricter conditions, first-degree murder charges, and aggravating factors for violence against vulnerable women. [This means re-introducing private member Bills C-311 and C-225.]
• Uphold the Canada Health Act and defend universal public health care.
• Honour current federal health transfer agreements to fund the healthcare all Canadians deserve, preserve existing dental care coverage, and honour existing deals with provinces and territories on child care and pharmacare.

New Democratic Party

Positives:

Enforcing the Canada Health Act:

• The NDP has pledged to enforce the Canada Health Act to ensure that provinces do not impose barriers to accessing abortion services. This commitment includes working to improve access in rural, remote, and northern communities, where services are often limited. The party emphasizes that abortion is healthcare and must be universally accessible. (ndp.ca)

Pharmacare and Contraceptive Coverage:

• A cornerstone of the NDP’s platform is the implementation of a universal pharmacare program that would cover prescription contraceptives. This initiative aims to eliminate the financial barriers that many Canadians face in accessing birth control, ensuring that cost does not impede reproductive choices. (ndp.ca)

Legislative Initiatives:

• In October 2024, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announced plans to use an Opposition Day to propose a motion aimed at expanding access to abortion services. This motion sought to address and counteract anti-choice bills and petitions, reinforcing the party’s commitment to safeguarding reproductive rights against encroachments. (brockpress.com)

Opposition to Anti-Choice Organizations:

• The NDP has taken a firm stance against organizations that disseminate misleading information about abortion. The party supports measures to revoke the charitable status of anti-abortion entities, such as crisis pregnancy centres, that provide deceptive counselling to women regarding their reproductive options. (actioncanadashr.org)

Advocacy for Reproductive Justice:

• The NDP’s approach to reproductive rights is rooted in the broader framework of reproductive justice. This perspective acknowledges the intersecting barriers faced by Indigenous, racialized, disabled, and transgender individuals, as well as those residing in underserved regions. The party is committed to addressing these disparities to ensure comprehensive and equitable access to reproductive health services for all. (ndp.ca)

Consistent Pro-Choice Stance:

• The NDP has a history of supporting abortion rights and has never advocated for restrictions on abortion access. They organized a recent petition supporting reproductive rights. Their MPs have always voted against anti-choice private member bills and motions and they frequently participate in the debates to oppose them. However, their current platform does not mention reproductive rights or access to abortion.

Negatives: 

Limited Legislative Success:

• The NDP strongly supports reproductive rights but, as a smaller party, often lacks the power to pass major legislation without broader political backing. Their motions and proposals on abortion access and contraceptive coverage frequently face opposition from larger parties.

Internal Party Divisions:

• While the NDP is generally progressive (within Canadian politics), not all members always agree on social policies. Historical cases, like divisions over LGBTQ+ rights legislation in the 1990s, highlight how internal disagreements can sometimes slow or weaken their advocacy efforts – although this seems to be less of an issue on reproductive rights. 

Party Platform:

The Made for People, Built for Canada platform promises to:

• Negotiate deals with every province to cover diabetes medications and birth control, and expand pharmacare to cover more essential medicines.
• Restore dedicated Ministries for Women and Gender Equality, for people with disabilities, and for diversity.
• Take new steps to protect diversity in Canada, including supporting 2SLGBTQI+ communities who are increasingly subjected to hate and to violence.
• Put a stop to U.S.-style privatization and protect public health care from Donald Trump’s trade agenda.

Bloc Québecois

Positives:

Legislative Advocacy: 

• In May 2022, the BQ sought unanimous consent in the House of Commons for a motion affirming that a woman’s body belongs to her alone and recognizing her freedom of choice regarding abortion. Although the motion was blocked by some MPs, it underscored the BQ’s commitment to reproductive rights. (nationalobserver.com)

Consistent Pro-Choice Stance: 

• The BQ has a history of supporting abortion rights and has not advocated for restrictions on abortion access. Their platform emphasizes the importance of comprehensive reproductive rights and support for women. Their MPs have always voted against anti-choice private member bills and motions and they frequently participate in the debates to oppose them. (canada.isidewith.com)

Negatives: 

Limited Federal Influence: 

• As a party focused on Quebec’s interests, the BQ’s influence on federal policies is limited, especially concerning health services like abortion, which are primarily under provincial jurisdiction. This limitation can restrict their ability to effect nationwide changes in reproductive rights.

Party Platform:

The Bloc Québecois Choisir le Québec platform promises to:

• Not tolerate any challenge to women’s right to control their own bodies, and fight any legislative or other effort to weaken this right, directly or indirectly.
• Add a commitment to respect certain fundamental values, including equality between men and women, the rights of sexual minorities and the secular nature of the State.
• Strengthen penalties when crimes are committed in the context of domestic violence.

Green Party 

Positives:

Advocacy for Comprehensive Pharmacare: 

• In May 2024, the Green Party applauded steps taken to provide coverage for reproductive health care within a universal, single-payer pharmacare system. This initiative aims to enhance access to necessary reproductive health services for all Canadians. (greenparty.ca)

Firm Pro-Choice Policy: 

• In its platform, the Green Party promises to ensure access to reproductive health care and protect 2SLGBTQ+ rights and access to gender-affirming health care. (greenparty.ca)
• The party maintains a clear stance that all Canadians must have timely access to safe, legal abortions. The party ensures that all its Members of Parliament endorse this value, emphasizing that there is “zero chance” an elected Green representative would seek to reopen the abortion debate. This is the party policy, but please see Negatives below. (greenparty.ca)

Negatives: 

Leader’s Comments on Free Votes: 

• Green Party Co-Leader Elizabeth May has stated that, while the party is pro-choice, she does not have the authority to prevent members from attempting to reopen the abortion debate, as the party does not whip votes. This position has led to concerns about the potential for individual MPs to act contrary to the party’s official stance on reproductive rights (youtube.com)

Candidate Vetting Issues: 

• Despite the party’s pro-choice stance, there have been instances where Green Party candidates have expressed anti-abortion views. In 2019, the party had to “re-vet” at least one candidate following revelations about past anti-abortion comments, highlighting challenges in the candidate vetting process. (youtube.com)

Perceived Mixed Messages: 

• Some Green Party candidates have publicly shared views that contradict the party’s pro-choice policy, leading to perceptions of inconsistency. For example, in 2019, several candidates openly expressed anti-abortion sentiments, prompting questions about the party’s internal alignment on this issue.(pressprogress.ca)

Party Platform:

The Green’s Change – Vote For It platform promises to:

• Enforce the Canada Health Act to ensure all provinces and territories provide comprehensive reproductive health services, including abortion, without financial or logistical barriers.
• Support the expansion of telemedicine services to provide medication abortion and related care, particularly in underserved and remote communities.
• Ensure that reproductive health services are inclusive and affirming for LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Enhance the collection of disaggregated data on reproductive health to identify and address disparities in access and outcomes.
• Oppose any legislation that seeks to restrict access to abortion or undermine reproductive rights.
• Significantly expand culturally appropriate mental health, maternal, infant, and reproductive health services [for Indigenous communities], ensuring comprehensive, community-based, culturally safe care.
• Implement universal pharmacare and expand dental care.
• Support 2SLGBTQIA+ rights. [multiple promises]
• Decriminalize sex work, replacing criminal laws with legislation that protects the health, safety, and labour rights of sex workers.
• Strengthen and expand the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care system, ensuring long-term, stable funding to maintain affordability and accessibility.
• Create an independent federal oversight body to regulate medical assistance in dying (MAiD).
• Pause the planned expansion of MAiD to cases where mental illness is the sole underlying condition, until meaningful mental health care and social supports are in place.