In recent years there have been more than 100 recorded abortions annually for PEI women.

PRRO is teaming with an ad-hoc abortion rights committee that believes the PEI arrangement is unjust to women. The group rallied at Province House in Charlottetown Nov. 19, drawing about 150 supporters. The pro-life side countered with about 200 people standing silently by, armed with their own signs. 

PRRO has the support of the Green party, which claims the current position is blatant discrimination against women, and the provincial NDP. 

Many pro-lifers see this campaign tied in with research by the University of Prince Edward Island’s Dr. Colleen MacQuarrie. She is collecting stories about difficulties island women experience when seeking abortions and her reported intent is to have abortion available on the island.

Ann Marie Tomlins, a member of the PEI Right to Life board and veteran of many pro-life campaigns, says it is unusual for a research project to state its conclusions before doing the study.  

“It would seem that the promoters are not really interested in research, but in … destroying our life sanctuary,” she said.

“These people are calling for more access when the nation is crying for increased limitations,” said Right to Life president Greg Hebert, quoting a recent Life Canada survey that shows 72 per cent of Canadians want some legal protection for the unborn  

Aukje Annema, long time member of the Life Canada board, says, “They are all emphasizing reproductive rights for women and ignoring the child that’s involved. It’s very important for us to keep the focus on the child.” 

Despite the current intense lobbying, the provincial government has pledged to maintain the status quo. 

“Right now, I see nothing changing,” said Health Minister Doug Currie.

That said, though, Currie told local media earlier this month that he would listen to both sides of the argument before making any final decision.  

Charlottetown Bishop Richard Grecco says he is proud of the way lay people in Prince Edward Island have stood up for Catholic beliefs in the past, and worked in unity with people of other faiths to make this protected zone possible. 

“Our laity have been fulfilling their task of bringing Catholic and Christian values to bear in the secular arena,” said Grecco. “God bless them. I hope their good example will spread.”  

(Beagan is a freelance writer in Charlottetown, PEI.)