Local residents are taking to the streets this week to raise awareness around Canada's lack of legislation around abortion.

Organizer Betty Esler with the Canadian Leadership Foundation notes the demonstrations coincide with Thursday's national March for Life when thousands of Canadians peacefully rally to advocate for the rights of pre-born children. A March for Life also takes place in Winnipeg at the Manitoba Legislature.

"The fact that Canada has absolutely no law surrounding abortion is something about 80 percent of Canadians don't realize," she says.

Esler explains they hope to see Canada come in line with the International Standards Abortion Law, which she notes "protects pre-born humans after 12 weeks gestation." She adds exceptions include cases where the pregnancy poses a danger to the woman's health.

Introducing the law would allow Canada to come in line with countries like France, Spain and Germany.

In Manitoba, residents do not need permission from a parent or partner to have an abortion. Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg provides surgical abortion up to 19 weeks and six days pregnant.

According to the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada, there are an estimated 104,158 abortions annually in Canada.

Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Bergen's office did not respond for comment before the time of publication.

Morden-Winkler MLA Cameron Friesen's office did not respond for comment before the time of publication.