When Woodworth traded his spot with a Liberal MP, dropping the motion to number 14 in order of precedence, some journalists speculated he had done so for strategic reasons. But Woodworth said he had no strategy to keep the bill alive for the summer.

"It's a fairly routine thing to switch places in private member's business," he said.

He would not comment about whether there has been any pressure from the Prime Minister's Office on himself or those who would support the motion from the Tory caucus. Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other Conservatives have consistently said they will not support the motion, nor will they reopen the abortion debate.

The motion will now likely come to a vote in mid- to late September, keeping the debate alive over the summer break.

"Those who are not supporting the motion would have preferred to have it dealt with more quickly than less quickly," said Woodworth.

Pro-life organizations hope the delay will be fruitful.

"Hopefully, this postponement will give Canadians the opportunity to send their Members of Parliament the clear message that they want the abortion debate opened and opened now," said Catholic Organization for Life and Family assistant director Peter Murphy. "The status quo is intolerable."

Campaign Life Coalition president Jim Hughes also welcomed the opportunity for more time before a vote.

"I can only expect the delay will allow the forces time to marshal sufficient strength to make a ruckus with all the Members of Parliament while they are at home for the summer," he said.

"The abortion debate won't be closed even after the law is changed so once again we have a culture of law in Canada. The debate will rage on after that. It's been that way ever since I can remember."