SoVote

Bill C-311

44th Parl. 1st Sess.

June 14, 2023

This is a proposed change to the Canadian Criminal Code. The proposed change states that if someone knowingly assaults a pregnant woman or causes physical or emotional harm to a pregnant woman, it should be considered an aggravating circumstance for sentencing purposes. The purpose of this change is to denounce and deter violence against pregnant women. The proposed bill is called the Violence Against Pregnant Women Act.

The Violence Against Pregnant Women Act is a crucial step in addressing the unique vulnerability of pregnant women in cases of violence. By explicitly including pregnancy as an aggravating circumstance for sentencing, this Act sends a powerful message that violence against pregnant women will not be tolerated in Canadian society. It recognizes the harm that such violence can cause to both the mother and the unborn child, and ensures that those who commit such offenses are held accountable. This Act also has the potential to deter potential offenders from engaging in such violence, as they will know that the consequences will be more severe. By passing this Act, Canada is taking an important step towards protecting the safety and well-being of pregnant women.

An argument opposing this could be that adding pregnancy as an aggravating circumstance only serves to create an arbitrary hierarchy of victims. All victims of violence deserve equal attention and concern, regardless of their pregnancy status. Furthermore, this amendment may inadvertently create pressure for pregnant women to report incidents of violence, potentially exposing them to further harm or fear of retribution. It may be more effective to focus on comprehensive support and resources for all victims of violence, rather than singling out a particular group. Additionally, it could be argued that aggravating circumstances should be based on the severity of the offense itself, not the identity of the victim.