Mr. Speaker, today marks the sixth annual March for Life celebration on Parliament Hill. Earlier this afternoon, thousands of Canadians from coast to coast came together outside this Parliament building to affirm their commitment to the value of life from conception to natural death.
Yesterday some members of parliament from all parties held a press conference in conjunction with this event. Women who shared the podium with us told of the harmful effects of abortion on their health and well-being.
These women want the same standards of informed consent to exist for abortion as are required in other areas of health care. Strong reproductive health policy needs to recognize these concerns. Public policy needs to be based on the most current research available. This would be consistent with a commitment to excellence in women's health.
I want to thank all those who are in town for the March for Life for keeping these issues before us while we legislate in this place.