It appears as though no action will be taken to press charges against a New Brunswick
pro-life woman who was arrested last September for displaying an abortion image outside
an abortion clinic in Fredericton.

Suzie Ryan, wife of pro-life activist Peter Ryan, was initially charged with violating the anti-
obscenity provisions of the Criminal Code. Her photo of a 10 week aborted baby was confiscated
by police and she was forced to spend several hours in jail and have her name publicly
identified as a criminal.

However, despite the passage of over six months since the arrest the Crown has still not
taken action to press charges. It now appears highly unlikely the matter will ever be taken
to court.

There are two classes of criminal offence in Canada, known as summary convictions and
indictable offenses. The former are lesser matters, with a six month statute of limitations.
That means the only way Mrs. Ryan could now be charged is with an indictable offense, which
has a two year limit. However, to support indictment it must be proven that the offense is a
grave matter, worthy of jail time rather than just a fine, with the accused having a right to
jury trial. Because of these factors, it would be much more difficult now for the Crown to
secure conviction than if it had pleaded for a summary conviction.

The Fredericton Police Department has publicly acknowledged that Canadian case law does
not support conviction in such cases. Therefore the Crown would have to assume a burden
of creativity to successfully convince a court that the law was broken by the display of an
abortion image.

For all the above reasons, it is unlikely the Crown will do anything but let the matter drop.
However, it could be up to 18 months more before the matter is finally resolved.

Mrs. Ryan is concerned that the matter is still not completely cleared up with charges
dropped and her sign returned. She is concerned her reputation remains tarnished and that
the appearance of a criminal record continues.

"This has been an unnecessary ordeal for us and an infringement of civil liberties," said
Peter Ryan. "Someone owes my wife a big apology. I wonder if she’ll ever get it. What do
we have to do? Sue somebody?"

"We are most grateful for all who have prayed and written support letters these past months,"
Ryan said. "It has helped." 

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