SoVote

Decentralized Democracy

Senate Bill

Bill S-250

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
April 20, 2023
An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sterilization procedures)
  • This bill, called S-250, is an amendment to the Criminal Code in Canada. It aims to establish a new offence related to sterilization procedures. The bill begins with a preamble that acknowledges that the sterilization of individuals without their consent is a result of systemic discrimination, colonization, and racism. It particularly affects Indigenous and racialized individuals. The main amendment is the addition of section 268.1 to the Criminal Code. This section provides definitions for key terms, such as "medical practitioner" and "sterilization procedure." It defines a sterilization procedure as the surgical prevention of conception, including the severing, clipping, tying, or cauterizing of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or uterus, or any other act performed for the primary purpose of permanently preventing conception. The bill establishes an offence related to performing sterilization procedures on individuals without their c
  • H1
  • H2
  • H3
  • S1
  • S2
  • S3
  • RA
  • Yea
  • Nay
  • star_border

SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • Steelman argument: The proposed amendment to the Criminal Code is necessary to address a systemic issue of sterilization procedures being performed on individuals without their consent. This practice has disproportionately affected Indigenous and racialized persons, perpetuating historical discrimination and racism. By establishing an offence for performing sterilization procedures without consent, the amendment aims to protect individuals from this violation of their bodily autonomy and reproductive rights. The amendment also includes safeguards to ensure that individuals have access to information about alternative methods of contraception and can provide fully informed consent. It also criminalizes coercive practices that may lead individuals to undergo sterilization procedures against their will. This amendment aligns with the principles of fairness, justice, and the protection of human rights, and is a necessary step towards addres

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman argument opposing Bill S-250: While the intention behind Bill S-250 is noble and seeks to address the issue of sterilization procedures performed without consent, there are concerns regarding potential unintended consequences and limitations of this legislation. Firstly, it could be argued that the Criminal Code already provides sufficient protection against non-consensual sterilizations. The existing offences of assault, aggravated assault, and sexual assault can be applied to cases of forced sterilizations. Creating a separate offence solely for sterilization procedures may lead to redundancy and confusion within the legal system. Furthermore, the definition of "sterilization procedure" in the bill is quite broad and could potentially encompass medical procedures that are not intended for the purpose of sterilization. This could have unintended consequences, potentially discouraging medical professionals from performing le
Senate Third Reading
  • April 20, 2023, 2 p.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read
Senate First Reading
  • Feb. 7, 2023, 2 p.m.
  • Passed