LE3 .A278 1999

1999

Alexander, Cynthia

Acadia University

Master of Arts

Masters

Political Science

Politics

Canadian women continue to be subject to discrimination on the basis of their reproductive capabilities. The primacy given to their roles as mothers and bearers of children by society and the state has resulted in limiting women's ability to participate fully in society. The proposal to entrench a Charter of Rights and Freedoms within the Canadian Constitution generated excitement among women's organizations. The Charter has not been a useful tool in the advancement of women's reproductive autonomy--the right to make important personal decisions, as well as the right and ability to control their own bodies. Parliament bestowed upon the judiciary the role of guardian over the Charter and, therefore, over the protection of the rights found in it. However, as this thesis demonstrates, the Supreme Court has been reluctant to apply the document to cases coming before the Court dealing with reproductive autonomy. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:2770