Rona Ambrose urged by federal Liberals to review New Brunswick abortion rules

FREDERICTON – Three Liberal MPs say they believe regulations governing abortion access in New Brunswick may contravene the accessibility principle of the Canada Health Act.

Hedy Fry, Dominic LeBlanc and Carolyn Bennett have sent a letter to federal Health Minister Rona Ambrose asking her to invoke a dispute and resolution process in order to resolve the issue.

They say the province’s refusal to fund the Morgentaler Clinic in Fredericton, which is planning to close at the end of July, may not be in line with the federal Health Act.

The act requires provinces to provide access to medically necessary services regardless of where they live or their ability to pay.

In New Brunswick, women who want a publicly funded abortion must seek the approval of two doctors and can only have the procedure done at two hospitals.

Premier David Alward has defended his province’s policy, saying it provides women access to abortion.