November 28, 2002
Romanow Report Ignores Important Way to Lower Health Care Spending

The Romanow Report on Health Care in Canada has finally been issued, after alleged consultation with the people of Canada. During coast-to-coast hearings pro-life people were systematically eliminated from the consultation process.

We submit that Mr. Romanow and the Commission did not look at, nor consider, the one area where health care dollars could be saved and a health commitment to patients could be accomplished.

"A procedure which is not medically necessary, which kills a human being and causes long range complications to the second patient is fully funded by medical plans in each province," said Jim Hughes National President of Campaign Life Coalition. "I refer to the life style choice of abortion," he continued.

"The cost of the abortion procedure is only the tip of the iceberg. We must also calculate the psychiatric complications for the woman who endures the procedure and the counseling required, sometimes many years later," Mr. Hughes said.

"If a woman distressed by a pregnancy were given viable counseling to assist her in carrying her child to term, not only would the costs be lower but countless lives would be saved," said Karen Murawsky, Director of the CLC Public Affairs Office in Ottawa.

Campaign Life Coalition calls on the federal government to direct the defunding of abortion and to spend Canadian Health Care tax dollars on support for pregnant women and their families.

Media Contacts:
Karen Murawsky, Director, CLC Public Affairs Office -Ottawa 613-729-0379
Mary Ellen Douglas, National Organizer CLC -Kingston,Ont. 613-389-4472
Gillian Long- CLC Toronto 416-204-9749

Campaign Life Coalition is Canada's national pro-life organization.