Conservative MPs keep abortion debate alive on floor of Commons with petitions

The Canadian Press

OTTAWA - The House of Commons might have rejected an abortion-related motion two months ago, but Conservative MPs are keeping the issue alive.

Petitions have been filed at least 20 times on abortion by government MPs and one Liberal MP.

Following question period, MPs have the option to table petitions from their constituents on almost any issue.

Many of the petitions on abortion go much further than Tory MP Stephen Woodworth's motion to strike a committee to study the issue of when a child is considered a human being.

For example, one petition asked Parliament to enact legislation that would restrict abortion to the greatest extent possible.

The MPs are not required to present petitions that are given to them by constituents, nor does the presentation mean they endorse the content.