United Conservative Party (UCP) MLA Chantelle de Jonge overcame verbal harassment from pro-abortion counter-protesters while speaking at the Alberta March for Life rally outside the Alberta Legislature on Thursday.
The annual event, organized by the Alberta March for Life Association, aimed to advocate for the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death.
The day began with a pro-life mass at St. Joseph Basilica. At noon, approximately 800 participants gathered for a rally and march at Violet King Henry Plaza, north of the legislature.
Pro-abortion activists attempted to shout down de Jonge (Chestermere-Strathmore) and other speakers, including church clergy, during the rally.
“At every turn (pro-abortion activists) have presented abortion as the singular option, even for women who do not seek it,” de Jonge said from a podium.
“And this strips away informed consent. To make matters worse, the Liberal government in Ottawa is now punishing organizations that provide alternatives, places that offer real resources for women who do not want to choose abortion."
"This isn’t just, and this is profoundly anti-women,” de Jonge added. “As a society, we must do better. We must empower women who want to carry their children to term. Provide real supports for women facing crisis pregnancies, and punish those who coerce or manipulate women into abortion.”
“We must provide support for women who do not want to have an abortion but believe it is their only option, and we need to extend compassion and care to those experiencing post-abortion trauma. Let us reject a culture of death. Let us restore a culture of life. Let us build an Alberta where every life is cherished, every woman is supported, and every human being is fully protected. Thank you. God bless you, and God bless Alberta.”
Edmonton has an active pro-abortion community.
Groups like the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada and local organizations such as Women’s Health Options and Community and Choice operate in Edmonton, providing reproductive health services, including abortions, and advocating for access.
These groups emphasize safe, legal, and non-judgmental care, with clinics offering both medical and surgical abortions up to 20 weeks. Community and Choice, for instance, focuses on low-barrier medical abortion services, indicating a commitment to accessibility.