Thank you for your interest in bill C-311, the Violence Against Pregnant Women Act. It would amend the Criminal Code to ensure that the act of knowingly assaulting a pregnant woman and causing physical or emotional harm to a pregnant woman are considered aggravating circumstances during the sentencing process.
The risk of violence against women increases when they are pregnant. However, as it currently stands, consequences for their attackers do not increase at all.
There are more than 80 cases in recent Canadian history of women who have been killed while pregnant. Each of these women were killed by men who knew they were pregnant. The killers intentionally sought to do harm to the mother or, in many cases, end the pregnancy. As it stands at this moment, our justice system fails to take these actions into account.
Canada is failing its pregnant women and the children they have chosen to carry to term. Sentences issued by our courts should match the crimes committed. Our country needs this law to ensure that criminals who attack or kill a pregnant woman can be sentenced appropriately by our courts.
This page will be regularly updated with resources and materials pertaining to C-311.
Read the Bill:
Sign the Petitions:
*NEW* Sign the official House of Commons e-petition
Sign the paper petitions:
"Pro-Life" Petition (at MollyMatters.org) | FRANÇAIS
"Pro-Choice" Petition (at MollyMatters.org) | FRANÇAIS
Watch:
MP Wagantall introduces bill C-311 | FRANÇAIS
Why the Violence Against Pregnant Women Act is important
How you can support the Violence Against Pregnant Women Act
Presenting a petition in support of C-311
In the News
Guest column: Violence Against Pregnant Women Act needs approval now (Windsor Star, June 3, 2023)
News Releases:
Wagantall introduces Violence Against Pregnant Women Act (January 31, 2023)