Artifact #2
Citation:
“Government flayed by opposition for pushing omnibus bill through House” February
26, 1969 (page 9 of 50). 1969. The Gazette (1867-2014), Feb 26, 1969.
Label:
This newspaper entry from February 26, 1969, highlights the positive and negative reactions to the Omnibus Bill. The bill was very controversial and evoked many different opinions at the time. The Canadian government overruled the conscience of many Members of Parliament on the sections regarding homosexuality and abortions. The Omnibus Bill of 1968-1969 allowed for women to get legal abortions under the circumstances that it was provided by a medical doctor and was approved by a medical committee stating it was a medically necessary procedure. There was also criticism of this bill because many felt that the abortion topic was too broad and would eventually lead to issues with too many abortions taking place. The topic of women’s reproductive rights was not openly talked about at this level and many individuals did not support it being a topic in the government, as it was felt to be to cruel to be an option.