A Canadian minister said Tuesday that American women would be able to cross the border to receive abortions if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade.
While appearing on CBC News, Karina Gould, minister of families, children and social development, was asked about the option.
Host Vassy Kapelos pressed Gould on whether American women would be able to cross the border for the procedure.
“I don’t see why we would not,” Gould said. “If they, people, come here and need access, certainly, you know, that’s a service that would be provided”.
The leaked Supreme Court draft decision indicating the court could soon overturn Roe was confirmed by Chief Justice John Roberts, who also opened an investigation into the leak.
Gould also expressed concern for what the overturn might mean for Canadian women. “One of the concerning factors here is that there are many Canadian women who maybe don’t live near a major city in Canada, but will often access these services in the United States,” she said.
“I’m very concerned about the leak yesterday. I’m very concerned about what this means, particularly for American women, but also for Canadian women,” she added.
“Americans accessing health care services in Canada would continue to have to pay for the service out-of-pocket or by their own private insurance if they are not covered by a provincial health insurance, by the Interim Federal Health Program or Non-Insured Health Benefits,” Gould continued.
Earlier Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted “The right to choose is a woman’s right and a woman’s right alone”.
“Every woman in Canada has a right to a safe and legal abortion. We’ll never back down from protecting and promoting women’s rights in Canada and around the world,” he said.
Some states have “trigger laws” that would kick in and immediately impose restrictions on abortion if the Supreme Court overturns Roe. Others have laws explicitly protecting abortion.