For Immediate Release: Hedy Fry Turns Down Abortion Debate
Calgary. June 1, 2010. Dr. Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre, has rejected an opportunity to debate abortion with a former patient she treated in-utero.
Last month, Member of Parliament Dr. Hedy Fry was reported in a CBC article as saying she was ready to debate abortion with anyone. When one of her former patients, international pro-life speaker Stephanie Gray, took her up on her offer, Dr. Fry declined, as can be heard on a voicemail left for Gray by one of Fry's staff (listen to the voicemail here).
"It's disappointing that a member of parliament who has been so vocal in support of abortion won't publicly defend her views in a forum where they will be challenged," said Gray, executive director of the Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform (CCBR). Gray pointed out that it’s not likely abortion will be debated in the House any time soon given the political hot potato the topic is. Gray continued: "If Dr. Fry is so confident that she's correct, why not air her views against mine? Those on the side of truth should have nothing to fear. I don't. I welcome the opportunity to engage her or any abortion advocate in examining the issue."
Gray, through CCBR, has formally debated abortion advocates since 2002, which include Dr. Jan Narveson, University of Waterloo philosophy professor and recipient of the Order of Canada, Ron Fitzsimmons, executive director of the National Coalition of Abortion Providers, and Elizabeth Cavendish of NARAL Pro-Choice America. More of Gray's debate background can be viewed here.
For more information, please contact Stephanie Gray: 403-200-0777 (cell).
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Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform (CCBR)
Box 123,
5-8720 Macleod Trail SE
Calgary, AB, T2H 0M4
403-668-0485 (office)
403-539-2227 (fax)
I'm no fan of Heddy Fry, but to expect an MP to debate us just because we ask them to is a little absurd. What if a random NDP member called up Stephen Harper and demanded a debate? Of course he'd say no.
ReplyDeleteStephanie Gray needs to stick to her knitting.
This blog respects open and courteous dialogue. Ms. Gray was responding to the MP's assertion that she would gladly debate on the issue. Ms. Gray is a superb communicator and effective debater with respected educational and speaking credentials. She is a compassionate defender of those whose voices have been silenced.
ReplyDeleteIt is a disgrace to our society that abortion advocates are not open to dialogue.
I meant no disrespect -- I didn't mean that she should LITERALLY stick to her knitting (and forgive the terribly inappropriate metaphor).
ReplyDeleteI meant that she should do what she does best, rather than go after cheap stories like this. She IS a supurb communicator, but more importantly, she is a proud Christian, and should be able to stand up to our Prime Minister (who we all voted for) and tell him that handing out condoms in Africa is not "family planning".
We didn't elect this man to the highest office in Canada only to have him ignore God's will.
Thanks for all you do! I enjoy reading.
Thanks for the clarification. Yes, our leaders need our feedback and they need our prayers. There are so many voices shouting it's good to have those who speak truth clearly and calmly. I'm still working on that myself. -Joyce
ReplyDelete