This West Kelowna billboard was paid for to encourage debate over abortion rights.

Image Credit: Submitted/Kelowna Right to Life Society

With the controversial issue of abortion flaring up, Kelowna advocates on both sides of the aisle believe Canadian laws could also be changed, and they're glad to see the public getting more engaged.

But there’s not much else the pro-life and pro-choice groups can agree upon.

The subject has become topical after a document leaked showed a willingness among members of the Supreme Court of the United States to overturn the landmark abortion rights ruling Roe v. Wade. If it does get overturned, legislators in each state will be able to limit access to abortion services.

“If it happens in the U.S. it will happen here,” said Marlon Bartram, executive director of the Kelowna Right to Life Society.

“It’s not official, but definitely looks promising.”

READ MORE: Ad standards complaint filed against anti-abortion billboard in West Kelowna

Bartram said the Right to Life Society isn’t fully celebrating just yet. He suspects the info was leaked by pro-choice advocates who are rousing up supporters to try and prevent laws around abortion from getting changed.

“That’s probably why it was released, to instigate some pressure, and try convince at least one judge to change their mind,” he said.

But whether it happens sooner or later, Bartram believes that anti-abortion laws in Canada and the U.S. are inevitable.

“An unborn person will be recognized as a real person, it’s only a matter of time. This is one of the first dominos to fall.”

The news is seen through a different lens over at the Kelowna & District Pro-Choice Action Society.

“We’re troubled by what we see to the south of us,” chairperson Donna Campbell said. "I’m hoping what’s happening down there will get people active to protect our rights up here.”

READ MORE: With abortion in jeopardy, minority women have most to lose

Campbell believes “to a degree” that Canadian abortion laws could be affected by the news coming out of the U.S., and that they could become more restrictive if Canada fell under the wrong leadership.

She believes the term "anti-choice" is more suitable than "pro-life."

"They're no more pro-life than the rest of us."

For anybody facing tough decisions regarding their sexual health, Interior Health recommends getting advice by calling the sex sense line at 1-800-739-7367.

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