P.E.I. party leaders react to province's abortion announcement

The leaders of P.E.I.'s three other political parties have all issued written statements in response to the decision by the province's Liberal government to provide access to abortion services.

Premier Wade MacLauchlan announced Thursday his Liberal government would provide access to abortion services on P.E.I. and asked Health PEI to determine what it would take to have a women's reproductive health centre in place by the end of 2016.

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Green Party leader Peter Bevan-Baker said he is pleased the issue of access has been resolved.

If government's legal advice was that a court action would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars only to be unsuccessful,ignoring that legal advice wouldn't be prudent. Opposition leader Jamie Fox

"I am relieved that Island women no longer face significant barriers to access, I'm relieved that the government decided not to contest an unwinnable legal case, and I'm relieved that so many other important women's health issues which have been drowned out by the debate on abortion will now be discussed more fully," said Bevan-Baker.

The Green Party leader said he was happy to hear the government was going to establish a permanent women's reproductive health clinic on the Island.

NDP leader Mike Redmond called it "an historic day for Island women."

"I pay tribute to the strong New Democratic women who have fought for reproductive rights, women like Ann Wheatley, Edith Perry, J'Nan Brown and the late Jane Dunphy, who I am sure has smile on her face in heaven," said Redmond.

"It is their collective energy, wisdom and fight that has brought us to this historic day. I along with all New Democrats thank you and all those who have fought for reproductive rights for the past 30 years."

WhileOpposition leader JamieFox did not come out in full support of the decision, he said it was important for the MacLauchlan government to have a clear plan so any resources put towards a women's health clinic gives the most health benefit to Island women.

"There are many health issues currently affecting Island women fertility issues, pre-natal and post-natal care, post-partum depression, midwifery access, and others.

"These services have been poorly addressed by government for some time so hopefully a women's health clinic could improve those services,"said Fox., adding more support for adoption and foster care services wouldgive Island womenmore options.

Abortion is a deeply personal issue that Islanders hold passionate views about on all sides, Fox said,and the PCs respect that diversity of opinion.

"If government's legal advice was that a court action would cost hundreds of thousands of dollars only to be unsuccessful,ignoring that legal advice wouldn't be prudent."

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