Quebec Bows to Pressure, Removes Abortion Reference from Constitution
In a significant reversal, Quebec Justice Minister Simon Jolin-Barrette announced on Friday the removal of a reference to abortion rights from the province's proposed constitution. This decision comes after months of sustained pressure from pro-choice organizations, professional associations, opposition members of the National Assembly, and even some within his own Coalition Avenir Québec caucus.
Minister Cites Defense of Women's Choice
Jolin-Barrette explained his change of position in a column published in the Journal de Montréal, stating, "Our desire was always to defend women's freedom of choice. And if we want to be coherent with ourselves, we have to respect that choice." The minister acknowledged that criticism from women's groups was ultimately the decisive factor in convincing him to reverse course on the controversial constitutional clause.
Opposition from Multiple Fronts
The proposed measure, which had been intended to guarantee abortion rights within Quebec's constitutional framework, faced substantial opposition from various quarters:
- Women's organizations including the Fédération des femmes du Québec
- Professional associations representing Quebec's doctors and lawyers
- All three opposition parties in the National Assembly
- Some CAQ members within the governing party itself
Critics argued that enshrining abortion rights specifically in the constitution could paradoxically threaten those very rights by opening them up to potential legal challenges. They noted that court rulings have already established abortion rights across Canada, making explicit constitutional language unnecessary and potentially risky.
Internal Party Dynamics
The constitutional debate unfolded against the backdrop of the CAQ leadership race to replace Premier François Legault. CAQ MNA Christine Fréchette, who is vying for the leadership position, commented earlier in the week that "if there is no support at all" for the abortion clause, "we will have to either word it differently or remove it."
Her rival in the leadership contest, CAQ MNA Bernard Drainville, hinted at Jolin-Barrette's impending announcement on Thursday, stating, "I'll let Simon make his announcement. But I'm very comfortable with the decision he's going to announce."
Broader Constitutional Controversy
The abortion clause removal represents just one aspect of the broader controversy surrounding the CAQ's proposed constitution. While the document has found support among nationalist groups and French-language advocates, opponents criticize its development process and scope:
- The constitution was drafted behind closed doors without public consultation
- It lacks the broad consensus typically required for foundational documents
- All three opposition parties voted against even presenting the bill in October
The constitutional project continues to face significant political headwinds despite Friday's concession on the abortion provision. The removal of this clause represents a notable victory for the coalition of women's groups and professional organizations that had mobilized against what they viewed as a potentially dangerous constitutional experiment with established reproductive rights.
