The NDP candidate in Langley, Kathleen Stephany, denied last week she ever said abortions should not be paid for by the public health system.

However, an e-mail has emerged from the Campaign Life Coalition BC that president John Hof says came from Stephany in 2005 when she was the Green Party candidate in Langley.

“It is my proposal that elective abortions not be paid for by the system,” said the e-mail in its first sentence.

Asked about the message, Stephany said, “This is now a legal matter. I'm not making any more public statements. That's just the way it has to be.”

Stephany added she is looking forward to discussing more substantive issues during the election. “I'm in agreement with all the policies of the NDP, period.”

Hof also quoted the e-mail in a letter to NDP president Jeff Fox.

Following is the text of the e-mail:

Subject: A green party Candidates statement on Abortion

Date: Fri, 22 Apr 2005 11:33:52 -0700

Hello:

It is my proposal that elective abortions not be paid for by the system.

My proposal is also to work strongly to reduce the number of elective abortions by offering all women who are faced with an unexpected pregnancy, counselling and emotional support. Many women resort to abortion because they feel they have no other option available. It is important to connect them up with badly needed supports so they do not feel pressured into an abortion, but can make a well informed choice (as well as can be provided).

We also need to work at changing the way that our society treats and views women who choose to have their children out of wedlock. Many women choose abortion because they are concerned about parental and societal judgement, which is still a big reality. I have done my Masters Thesis in the subject of Teen Parenting. I hope this is of some help.

Sincerely,

Kathleen Stephany

Green Party Candidate

Langley, BC

"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it." W. H. Murray

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.