By Quebec Life Coalition — Photo : TravelScape/Freepik

If Quebec had maintained its birthrate from the 1950s, its current population would be nearing 20 million people. In other words, the demographic strength that once gave it weight and autonomy would today serve as a natural shield against any economic or political blackmail, whether from Ottawa or Washington. But that is not the case. Why? Because Quebecers themselves have sabotaged their future by succumbing to the illusions of hedonism and materialism.

From a Strong People to an Aging Population

In the 1950s, Quebec was a vibrant society where each family had, on average, four children. This dynamism allowed the Quebec nation to have influence on both the Canadian and international stage. Today, after decades of contraception, mass abortions, and the systematic rejection of the Christian values that once shaped our society, Quebec finds itself in a state of serious decline. With a fertility rate of just 1.4 children per woman, far below the replacement threshold, it has become a society on the path to extinction.

The United States, whether led by Donald Trump or any other president, does not need to threaten Quebec—Quebec is condemning itself. The economic blackmail that some fear—higher tariffs, forced inclusion as the 51st state, pressure on exports—only holds power because of Quebec’s own weakness. A large, rooted, and prosperous people does not fear power struggles; it dictates them. But an aging, economically dependent, and ideologically divided people can do nothing but take the blows.

The idea that contraception lowers abortion rates seems like a nice idea for Liberal leaders...but it doesn't seem to map out that way in reality. According to the recent New York Times article "The ‘Safe, Legal, Rare’ Illusion" by Ross Douthat, liberal states do not do better than conservative states in preventing teenage pregnancy. On the contrary, abortion rates are frequently higher in liberal states than conservatives states (the author cites that in New-York, two in five pregnancies end in abortion). 

Is it worthwhile to rethink social policy? Most people agree that they would like to see abortion rates go down...so, what is the best approach? I recommend this article- though it isn't big on statistics, it is published in a popular left-winged newspaper and nonetheless makes the case that maybe conservatives who advocate a return to family values, marriage, and chastity are not as "crazy" as many think. Finally, if lack of access to contraceptives is not the main reason for the number of children aborted every year, shouldn't we be thinking whether the current model of sex and pregnancy is to blame (not to mention the flawed view of the human dignity of the unborn child)?