The Panther Prints September 24, 1996

Opinion & Editorial

15

EDITORIAL

Pick a hero, any hero. Your hero doesn't have to wear tights or own a cape, he or she just has to fight for the rights of the oppressed. My hero is not Superman. My hero is Dr. Henry Morgentaler. Shocked? You shouldn't be. Dr. Morgentaler has been fight- ing for women all across Canada to have access to safe abortions. Safe abor- tions are carried out in medical clinics under hygenic conditions, not in some back alley with a coat hanger.

Why? Why would this man care if women have access to this type of medical procedure? I do not honestly know. I also do not care.

No one ever questioned Superman's motives.

Dr. Henry Morgentaler is my hero because he is one person fighting for the rights of many. Women who have abortions are more often than not scorned by their commu- nity. Yet, here is a man willing to risk his reputation and his life for a group of Canadians who are unable, (only because they are afraid), to stand up for themselves.

recently been fighting his battle here on PEI. Why? Because the province will only pay for abortions that it feels are medically necessary and undergone in a hospital. In order to have an abortion on PEI you must sit in front of a panel of hospital admin- istrators who will determine if there is a medical reason for you to have one. It is demeaning. Is it right?

Should they be able to "play God?" The Court of Appeals of the PEI Supreme Court seems to think so. It recently upheld the provinces decision not to reimburse women on PEI who have had off-island abortions. (See last Tuesdays Guardian) If women on our ‘Fair Isle’ wish to have a safe abortion they must travel off Island to either Halifax or Fredericton. Dr. Morgentaler has not given up yet. He is going to appeal the decision. I wish him luck. Trying to introduce a controversial issue on this bit of sand is like trying to get an oe not to say warsh.

Perhaps Health and Community services think that no woman from PEI would ever consider having an abortion? Maybe that is why they will not allow a clinic to be opened on PEI. Or maybe they are afraid. Afraid to let this man, one man who fights for the rights of others, prove that an abortion clinic on PEI is necessary, and that they should be paying for it.

Dr. Henry Morgantaler -- I salute you.

I think you truly are a great Canadian Hero.

Dr. Morgentaler has by Jen Nie

Cas eles

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor

My name is Yvonne MacKean and I am a mem- ber of the Victim Services Advisory Committee repre- senting the UPEI Student Union.

The purpose of the Committee is spelled out in the Victims of Crime Act. In short, the Committee is to review existing policies and recommend changes to benefit victims, assist various agencies (law enforcement, social services, etc) with their guidelines with respect to dealing with victims, deal with complaints and issues rising with respect to victims, deal with any issues that effect victims (researching policies, resolving problems, promoting discussions involving victims rights).

The Committee is made up of representatives from various related fields, law enforce- ment, law society, the Courts, Rape Crisis centre, Transition House, Probation Service, Victims of Impaired Driving, etc. All these people work to try and better the treatment and services to victims of crime. The Committee meets four times a year, and is actively

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crease tuition to an even

involved in issues relating to victims.

As one can see, the Committee covers a wide range of topics. New legisla- tion that will be in effect soon is Family Violence Legislation. This is only the second of its kind in Canada. Among other things it pro- vides for emergency meas- ures in cases of family violence. More information will be available on this topic in the future, both on campus and in the public.

The main reason for my letter is to find out concerns of students with regard to victims services. Is

there a need for a service that isn't already provided? Do you have problems with the treatment you, or a friend, received as a victim? Are you concerned about any aspect of victims services? Any comments with regards to victims services are welcome. If you have any of these concerns, please contact me by email at ymackean, or at the Office of Student Development (leave in my mailbox). All letters will be kept confidential, and will only go to the committee if you request it. Thank you.

Yvonne MacKean

No Tuition Increase

Dear Editor:

In response to Christopher Michaud's guest editorial in the September 17 issue of the “Panther Prints,” I would like to put an end to rumors of an increase in tuition in January. Christopher Michaud wrote: "Apparently the University is planning to raise tuition... AGAIN...by January to an even sum of $300." In order for tuition to increase there is a process to which this must go through. The process starts at the Senior Management Group, goes through to the Finance Committee, to the Executive Committee and finally to the Board of Governors. Asa member of these committees and groups I can state that, to the best of my knowledge, there are NO plans to in-

$300 in January. I placed a call to the Vice President of Finance for the University, Neil Henry, and he is una- ware of plans to increase tuition. If at any time you would like me to look into any further matters for you, just let me know. You can reach me at 566-0670 or E- mail me at ljmackenzie@upei.ca.

Lindy MacKenzie VP Finance

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