A private member’s bill aimed at addressing violence against pregnant women was defeated in the House of Commons on June 14. The bill, known as Bill C-311, proposed tougher sentencing by amending the Criminal Code to consider assaulting a pregnant woman or causing harm to her as aggravating circumstances. Only members of the Conservative party voted in favor of the bill. The bill was introduced by Saskatchewan Conservative MP Cathay Wagantall in response to the increasing rates of violence against women in Canada. The Conservatives highlighted that over 80 cases have been reported where a pregnant woman was deliberately killed by someone aware of her pregnancy. The bill aimed to ensure that criminals who attack or kill pregnant women receive appropriate sentencing. However, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed frustration and disappointment with the bill, accusing the Conservative party of reopening the abortion debate. The bill did not explicitly mention fetal rights, but pro-abortion groups opposed it, fearing it could potentially recognize “pre-born children” in the context of violent crimes.