Pierre Poilievre's Deafening Silence on Abortion




As Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada's Conservative Party, prepares for a potential shot at the prime ministership, one glaring issue has remained conspicuously absent from his public statements: abortion. While the debate over reproductive rights has become a flashpoint in American politics, Poilievre’s deflection on the subject has raised questions about his true stance, his political strategy, and his ability to lead on issues that matter deeply to Canadians.
Since the 1988 Supreme Court decision in R. v. Morgentaler, which struck down Canada's restrictive abortion laws, the right to choose has been protected as a constitutional right. However, while abortion is legal, it remains an ongoing cultural and political battleground. Public opinion is divided, with some arguing for stronger protections for reproductive rights, while others, particularly among conservative and religious communities, continue to push for restrictions.

For years, conservative leaders in Canada, particularly those within the federal Conservative Party, have grappled with how to address the issue of abortion in a way that appeals to their base without alienating the broader electorate. Poilievre, in particular, has carefully avoided any definitive public statements on the matter, leading many to speculate about his true position and the motivations behind his silence.

The Conservative Party's Historical Struggle with Abortion

The Conservative Party’s history with abortion is fraught with tension. Under former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the party largely avoided revisiting the issue of abortion during his tenure, preferring to focus on economic and security issues. However, there were always factions within the party pushing for a re-opening of the abortion debate. In 2011, a private member's bill introduced by pro-life Conservative backbencher Stephen Woodworth sought to re-examine the definition of when human life begins, a bill that was quickly quashed by Harper’s government. Despite Harper’s personal opposition to abortion, he famously declared that the issue would not be brought up under his leadership—an attempt to keep the party unified and avoid alienating key voter blocs.

Under Poilievre's leadership, the issue remains similarly suppressed. His silence on abortion is not surprising given that the Conservative Party has long struggled to reconcile its pro-life factions with the more moderate and centrist members who support a woman’s right to choose. Poilievre, who has made his name as a populist and a strong advocate for fiscal conservatism, appears keen to avoid wading into a debate that could divide his party and risk alienating critical voting groups, particularly women and younger Canadians who overwhelmingly support reproductive rights.

Poilievre's Fence Sitting

In late October of 2024, the CBC's Kate McKenna released a bombshell report that investigated accusations from former Conservative MP Alain Rayes. According to Rayes, there was a significant and growing number of influential Conservatives in Parliament Hill who are actively pro-life. This should come as no surprise, however, seeing as Conservative MP Arnold Viersen went on a podcast in June and proclaimed that he wants protections for what he calls the 'pre-born.'

Whenever he has been asked about the issue, Poilievre has maintained that a Conservative Government will not support any legislation to regulate abortion. On the surface, this sounds promising. However, when you critically examine the Conservative leader's comments, a more sinister motivation appears. Rather than elaborating on his support for women's reproductive rights and how the Conservative party plans on protecting them, Poilievre often pivots abortion concerns to more blatant pro-life talking points. For example, earlier in October, he said he plans to promote adoption as a 'greater good' over legislating abortion. As someone who was adopted, Poilievre talked much about his personal experience to distract from the fact he was blatantly making a pro-life argument. Mind you, this was his response to an anti-abortion supporter who wrote to the Conservative party earlier this year. Rather than solidify the Conservative Party's stance on pro-choice, he chose to appease these extremist views. Framing adoption as the 'greater good,' Poilievre is implying that abortion is morally wrong and women should be ashamed of having to get one. In summary, Pierre Poilievre has not definitively come out as a pro-life politician, but he hasn't exactly reaffirmed his belief in Canadian women's autonomy over their reproductive rights, either. 

A Question of Leadership

Poilievre’s failure to take a definitive stance on abortion also calls into question his broader leadership style. Leadership, especially when it comes to matters of ethics and personal rights, often requires a clear and decisive voice. Poilievre has shown that he is capable of taking strong positions on issues like taxes, free speech, and economic policy. Yet, when it comes to women’s rights and bodily autonomy, he has chosen to remain silent, leaving many Canadians wondering where he truly stands.

This silence could be interpreted in a number of ways. It may reflect Poilievre’s understanding that the abortion debate remains highly charged, and any misstep could cost him votes. It may also reflect a political cowardice—a reluctance to engage with an issue that could divide his party or undermine his chances of winning the broader electorate. Alternatively, it could simply be a pragmatic recognition that, in the current political climate, staying out of the abortion debate might be the safest course of action.

But in choosing silence, Poilievre forfeits an opportunity to lead with conviction. His failure to speak on such a fundamental issue risks further eroding public trust in his ability to make difficult decisions. Canadians want leaders who can take a stand, especially when it comes to issues that directly affect women’s health, equality, and personal freedoms. Poilievre’s refusal to address abortion head-on leaves his leadership in question and casts a shadow over his commitment to defending the rights and freedoms of all Canadians.

The Risk of Appeasing Extremism

Poilievre’s silence is not without its risks. By failing to address the issue, he tacitly allows the more extreme elements of his party—those who seek to restrict access to abortion—to dominate the conversation. As his leadership continues to grow, the party’s more radical voices may push him toward adopting a harder stance on abortion, forcing him into a position where he must either betray the moderate voters he needs to win or alienate his conservative base.

In the long term, Poilievre’s political future may depend on how well he navigates this issue. Abortion is not simply a "side issue"—it is a defining issue for many Canadians, particularly women, who view their right to choose as non-negotiable. Poilievre must eventually make a choice: either take a firm position that aligns with his values, or risk being seen as a politician who refuses to lead on the fundamental issues that define a modern, progressive society.

Pierre Poilievre’s silence on abortion is a reflection of the deep divisions within the Conservative Party and his broader strategy of political calculation. While this ambiguity may serve him in the short term, it raises serious questions about his leadership and commitment to fundamental rights. As the next election approaches, Canadians deserve a leader who is willing to confront difficult issues head-on—not one who hides behind silence to avoid alienating any one faction. The future of Canadian democracy and women’s rights may depend on how Poilievre chooses to handle this issue in the months ahead.

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