A petition calling on Saskatoon city council to restrict graphic anti-abortion images has drawn more than 3,100 signatures. The Saskatoon Abortion Support Network (SASN) launched the petition after anti-abortion pamphlets containing images depicting aborted fetuses, were delivered to Saskatoon homes. “It’s very disturbing, very distressing,” petition organizer Angie Kells told CTV News. “People who have experienced loss of a wanted pregnancy, people who have experienced abortion, children — so many people were really, really upset to see these images without warning, without the opportunity to consent or opt into it.” The Canadian Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform (CCBR) confirmed it was behind the campaign. Quiana Casamayor, a volunteer coordinator with CCBR, estimated the organization delivered flyers to a few thousand Saskatoon homes. She said the images were sourced from anti-abortion organizations. Next week, Coun. Bev Dubois will put forward a motion asking city administration to explore possible regulations. “I want to see what citizens can and can’t do as far as this kind of distribution,” Dubois said. “I would like our administration to review all of the potential options that we have.” Dubois’ motion does not propose a specific bylaw. If approved, administration would examine the options and report back to council. Would restrictions violate freedom of expression? Casamayor said the images are necessary to convey CCBR’s anti-abortion message. “We believe that this message needs to be front-of-mind, and needs to be seen by all Canadians,” she said. Casamayor said CCBR considers its flyers and posters protected expression and would explore legal options if Saskatoon introduced restrictions. Iryna Ponomarenko, an assistant law professor at the University of Saskatchewan, said any Saskatoon bylaw would have to carefully define what constitutes a graphic image. “The exact wording adopted by the city would matter enormously,” Ponomarenko explained. Under the Oakes test, the city would have to demonstrate that the restrictions serve a pressing objective, limit Charter rights no more than reasonably necessary and provide benefits that outweigh the effects on freedom of expression. Ponomarenko said protecting children and other vulnerable people from unexpectedly seeing graphic images — and the psychological harm they may cause — could be considered a valid objective. Other cities have adopted similar bylaws Several Canadian municipalities have adopted similar regulations. In Calgary, flyers with graphic images must be concealed in an opaque envelope, which must also have the name and address of the sender. The envelope must also display a content warning. Not following the three requirements carries a $1,000 fine for each violation. Kells said she would like Saskatoon to adopt similar rules. “We are not trying to limit anyone’s right to protest,” she said. “A person, an organization can and should be able to protest and to spread their message in a peaceful way that doesn’t cause harm to people — and that’s really what we’re looking for here.” Graphic image bylaws have faced legal scrutiny. A bylaw in London, Ont. is currently the subject of a Charter challenge, while St. Catharines repealed its bylaw in 2024 after a legal challenge was launched. Dubois’ motion is set to be presented at the governance and priorities committee meeting on Sept. 9.
