Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member is quite correct; that is what came out on the radio. I regret that that is the way it was said; but in the context it was said, I had said much more before that, as I explained the full procedure, and unfortunately the clip was 20 seconds of a two to three minute interview. I regret there are any misunderstandings of my intentions and my position on abortion. I have no intention whatsoever to pass judgment on anyone. I am merely pointing out that any medical procedure that requires the administration of an anesthetic, that in the doctor's opinion should be applied or should not be applied, depending on what it is, that if a patient requests it and it is medically suitable, it will be done. I was saying that no one is actually forced to undergo such a traumatic experience without some medication. That is what I was alluding to, and I apologize for any misunderstanding that may have been created by my actual words. The sentence was not long enough to include the word on anesthetic.
Tony Whitford on Question O357-12(2): Minister's Interview On Cbc
In the Legislative Assembly on March 25th, 1992. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question O357-12(2): Minister's Interview On Cbc
Question O357-12(2): Minister's Interview On Cbc
Item 5: Oral Questions
March 24th, 1992
Page 448
See context to find out what was said next.