Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trindade upheld a U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning a landmark ruling by Roe v. Wade, calling it a “horrific” development that threatens women’s rights. “This is a reminder of how strong we must be in defending the rights of the people … Canada will be there, not just for Canadians, but for friends around the world,” he told the Commonwealth Heads of State on Saturday. Government meeting in Rwanda. Danielle Atkinson, founding director of the Mothering Justice group that supports colored mothers in Michigan, says the prime minister needs to do more than make a statement. “We appreciate so much his willingness to open up the country, but there are immigration logistics, right?” he said. “So we need the prime minister to really ensure that people can go to the country safely and easily.”

Obstacles worse for marginalized women

Atkinson said she was “grateful” for Trinto’s statement, but said there were many barriers for women seeking refuge in Canada for abortion care outside their state – and especially marginalized women. Danielle Atkinson is the founding director of the Mothering Justice and Mothering Justice Action Fund, advocacy groups that support colored mothers. (State of Michigan / www.michigan.gov) “Things are just everyday problems for people who are marginalized: Do you have gas in your car to get there?” He said. “Do you have someone who can look after your children? Is it a secret? And all these trips and arrangements expose you? Do you have money for the actual process? Do you have someone who can take care of you afterwards? … “The same reason why reversing these federal protections is detrimental to marginalized people is the same reason why it is incredibly difficult to cross state lines or cross borders.” Family Secretary Karina Gould said when she first leaked a draft Supreme Court ruling that U.S. women could have abortions in Canada. Public Safety Secretary Marco Medicino also instructed Canada Border Patrol officials to allow free passage for U.S. women seeking abortion. At this time, abortion services are still legal in Michigan, but the law could change. Some U.S. states, such as Texas, Missouri and Utah, have already banned abortions in the wake of last week’s decision, but for some states, including Michigan, the future of abortion rights is still unclear.

In May, a judge suspended the inactivated abortion ban in 1931 in Michigan – which offers no exceptions for incest or rape – meaning the process is legal in the state despite a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. The judge issued a preliminary injunction requested by the Planned Parenthood of Michigan. However, this order has been appealed. “We want to make it clear that abortion is still legal in Michigan … We continue to provide abortion to anyone who needs it,” said Ashlea Phenicie, communications director for Planned Parenthood Michigan. “At the moment, Michigan is planning to accept an influx of patients themselves.” Ashlea Phenicie, communications director for Planned Parenthood Michigan, said the team is working on national strategies to help women cross states to access abortion care. (CBC) Phenicie said Planned Parenthood is currently working on a national strategy to help women cross state lines to access safe and legal abortions if they are illegal in their home state. However, if Michigan loses its fight to keep the process legal, Planned Parenthood may look for other strategies. “I do not know about cross-border cooperation, but if we were in a scenario where Michigan is losing access, I think that would be the next step,” Phenicie said. Providers in Canada who may be open to providing abortions to U.S. citizens should be aware of the barriers faced by marginalized groups, especially when it comes to navigating international borders, Phenicie said. Meanwhile, health officials in Windsor are not talking about what Roe’s overthrow against Wade could mean for the area given its proximity to Detroit. CBC News contacted Windsor-Essex hospitals and public health, but declined to be interviewed.