‘Sex selection abortion’ played a role in supporting pro-life motion: Ambrose

OTTAWA – The federal cabinet minister responsible for the status of women has offered at least a partial explanation for why she voted in support of a pro-life motion in the House of Commons.

Rona Ambrose says on Twitter that she’s long been worried about discrimination against girls through “sex selection abortion.”

Ambrose stunned observers Wednesday when she rose to her feet in favour of backbench MP Stephen Woodworth’s motion to strike a committee to examine the definition of a human being.

Though the motion was defeated 203 to 91, Ambrose’s tweet suggests she opted to support the motion as a way to raise awareness about the issue.

Ambrose was one of 10 federal Conservative cabinet ministers who supported the motion, despite the fact Prime Minister Stephen Harper has said he has no plans to reopen the abortion debate in Canada.

As a result, she’s under fire from critics both inside the House of Commons and beyond, including women’s rights groups who are calling for her resignation.