Honourable David Dingwall
Minister of Health
House of Commons
Ottawa, Canada
K0A 0A6

Dear Mr. Dingwall,

We were alarmed by recent media reports that Ministers from the British Columbia Government are anxious for clinical trials of the abortion pill RU-486 to proceed in Canada and that B.C. is ready to pay for them.

While we understand that you have not agreed to expedite the trials as requested, we wish you to be aware that the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops objects in the strongest possible terms to the introduction of RU-486 into this country. This pill is not therapeutic but destroys human life and puts women's health at risk.

The quote attributed to the Provincial Health Minister, Ms. Joyce MacPhail, that this pill would be a "more cost-effective option" is particularly offensive to those of us who believe that abortion involves the taking of human life when it is most vulnerable.

The British Columbia Government is also promoting RU-486 as a solution to teenage pregnancies. With respect, we suggest that the better approach is a proper formation in authentic human values based on respect for human life and the dignity of the human person, and a view of sexuality that involves commitment, maturity, respect and responsibility.

A third reason suggested to promote this powerful pill is that it will make abortion more private. Can one really expect the taking of human life to be a private act?

If the Government takes an active role in promoting abortion by approving clinical trials, you will deeply offend the consciences and religious sensibilities of millions of Canadians. We intend to pay very close attention to this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Francis J. Spence
Archbishop of Kingston
President of the Canadian
Conference of Catholic Bishops