FREDERICTON — New Brunswick's government says funding abortions in private clinics would create an unnecessary financial burden.

Last October, Dr. Henry Morgentaler announced he was launching a lawsuit against the province over its refusal to pay for abortions carried out in his private Fredericton clinic.

The doctor took the Tory government to task over what he called its "sexist, male chauvinist and oppressive" attitude toward women and abortion rights.

In its statement of defence, the province says medically necessary, medicare-funded abortions are provided at several hospitals in the province.

It said access would not be "meaningfully enhanced" by extending funding to abortions done at the Morgentaler clinic.

The province only pays for abortions in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy if they're performed in hospital, and only after the woman has the approval of two doctors.

Morgentaler said the province's position is unconstitutional and violates the Canada Health Act.

In documents filed with the Court of Queen's Bench, the province said compliance with the Canada Health Act is a matter for the federal government to decide, not the courts.