Maternal health? Not so much

Bev Oda

What on earth is the Conservative government up to with its maternal health program?

After steadfastly refusing to include abortion in the program, it now seems the government is willing to provide money for abortion in countries -- as long as it's legal.

International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda, who is in charge of delivering the $1.1-billion program, has just returned from Africa with a new spin on the program. She said in an interview that Canada would support abortion infrastructure, if asked. "As long as it is legal within the country and it's a legal procedure ... if we were asked to help in that way, we would do that."

Not only is that a direct reversal of the Harper government's previous stance, it now turns out Ottawa is  providing money to an agency that provides illegal abortions in Africa.

Prime Minister Harper needs to step forward, have a talk with his minister, and make clear his government's principles on human life.