The Unsettling Reality of Late-Term Abortions in Canada
National Post columnist Chris Selley has sparked significant discussion with his recent analysis of late-term abortions in Canada. Published on November 25, 2025, his piece examines the complex reactions to revelations about abortion practices in the country, particularly focusing on procedures performed during the third trimester.
The original National Post investigation revealed that while late-term abortions remain rare in Canada, they are legally available without requiring women to provide specific medical justification. This reality has generated strong responses from both sides of the abortion debate, with even some pro-choice advocates appearing uncomfortable with the implications.
Reactions and Denials
Selley documents the immediate backlash to the original reporting. Ottawa activist and author Sam Hersh responded with outrage on social media platform X, questioning why public subsidies support media outlets that publish such information.
The controversy intensified around anti-abortion activist Alissa Golob, who secretly recorded conversations with OBGYNs while posing as someone seeking a late-term abortion at 22 weeks pregnant. Frederique Chabot, executive director at Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, condemned these undercover tactics as American-style activism.
Dr. Lynn Murphy-Kaulbeck, president of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, dismissed the videos as disinformation without specifying what exactly was misleading about them. Both Chabot and Murphy-Kaulbeck suggested the videos portrayed women negatively for exercising reproductive choice, though Selley notes this interpretation didn't match his own viewing experience.
The Core Issue: Canada's Unique Legal Landscape
Selley emphasizes that the central point of both the article and videos was straightforward: third-trimester abortions are available in Canada, and women aren't required to demonstrate medical necessity to obtain them. Health Canada acknowledges that these procedures usually occur because of serious medical issues, but the word usually leaves room for other circumstances.
Canada remains unique among developed nations for having no legal restrictions on abortion at any stage of pregnancy. As Selley notes, any discussion of implementing limitations, even targeting practices like sex-selective abortions or very late procedures that most Canadians disapprove of, typically generates intense opposition from activists who fear it represents a step toward American-style restrictions.
The columnist highlights Quebec's historical approach to late-term abortions, where women were previously referred to the United States due to limited local providers. Premier François Legault committed to addressing this situation in May 2019, promising to ensure these services become available within reasonable timeframes to everyone in the province.
What makes this discussion particularly compelling, according to Selley, is how many abortion-rights supporters seem reluctant to acknowledge the reality that Canada's legal framework permits late-term abortions without medical justification. This discomfort suggests the abortion debate in Canada contains more nuance than often appears in public discourse.
