Birth control adopted in Tory health initiative

Stephen Harper’s government has reversed its stance after coming under fire for saying the maternal health initiative it plans to champion at the upcoming G8 summit this June will not deal with “family planning.” Opposition MPs rallied against the government when foreign affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon said the plan won’t include contraception earlier this week, arguing that family planning is needed to reduce unwanted pregnancies and prevent unsafe abortion and the spread of HIV/AIDS. Prime Minister Stephen Harper clarified his position in reaction to the criticism on Thursday, saying "we are not closing doors against any options, including contraception, but we do not want a debate here or elsewhere on abortion." International Co-operation Minister Bev Oda also spoke out on the issue, saying the government had never planned to write off options with the potential of saving lives.

CBC News