Canadians say no to gendercide

For broadcast on 2CH Sydney, 10 Nov 2013.

Conservatives in Canada have condemned the practice of sex-selective abortion at their annual party convention.  A resolution supporting the full participation of women in society, and condemning “discrimination against girls through gender selection” passed with a comfortable majority.

Langley MP Mark Warawa said “Right now in the world there are more than 200 million missing girls because of the practice of using ultrasounds to find out if it’s a boy or a girl.  If it’s a girl the pregnancy ends.”

Conservative party voter Elizabeth Pratt of West Vancouver said female gendercide was recognised as a “global epidemic” and a women’s rights issue.  But another party delegate said opposition to gendercide could create a “fear” of abortion.

The practice of female gendercide is likely to increase in popularity as sex-selection becomes the norm for expecting parents. We need a similar debate and policy in Australia, for the sake of the children.

I’m Rod Benson for the NSW Council of Churches.