Dr. Henry Morgentaler, Abortion Crusader gets the Order of Canada!
By barehugs
@barehugs (8973)
Canada
July 1, 2008 3:57pm CST
'A hero to millions'
Now 85, Morgentaler, a Polish Holocaust survivor who immigrated to Montreal after the war, opened his first abortion clinic in 1969 and performed thousands of procedures, which were illegal at the time.
Morgentaler, a trained family physician, argued that access to abortion was a basic human right and women should not have to risk death at the hands of an untrained professional in order to end their pregnancies.
Morgentaler's clinics were constantly raided by his opponents, and one in Toronto was firebombed. Morgentaler was arrested several times and spent months in jail as he fought his case at all court levels in Canada.
His victory came on Jan. 28, 1988, when the Supreme Court of Canada struck down Canada’s abortion law. That law, which required a woman who wanted an abortion to appeal to a three-doctor hospital abortion committee, was declared unconstitutional.
Feminist and author Judy Rebick told the Globe and Mail on Monday that it is about time Morgentaler is honoured for his long battle.
"Dr. Morgentaler is a hero to millions of women in the country," she said. "He risked his life to struggle for women's rights … He's a huge figure in Canadian history and the fact that he hasn't got [the Order of Canada] until now is a scandal."
4 people like this
9 responses
@chrysz (1602)
• Philippines
2 Jul 08
I am pro-choice but I would keep my baby no matter what since I believe that I believed long enough and my baby deserves to live too, regardless of what kind of life s/he have - with or without me.
In fairness to him, he has a point that women should be given access "safe" way to end or terminate their pregnancy. I think the countries that allow abortion have guidelines such as doctors' recommendation, proof that the pregnancy is life threatening to both mom and baby, etc. But it is still the woman's choice whether to do it or not. It's like choosing the devil and the deep blue sea and Dr. Morgentaler is just there to assist what ever choice a woman makes.
@suspenseful (40193)
• Canada
1 Jul 08
And they think he is a hero for killing all these babies before they were born? Abortion is murder. And you are proud of what he is done? My husband and I tried to get treatment for my infertility, and we adopted. We had to move to another province to get our sons and they were not new born. These babies that were killed could have been placed in a home with loving couples, but no Canada is getting to be known as a child hating country and you are proud of that?
God help Canada.
@bonbon664 (3466)
• Canada
3 Jul 08
I for one am proud of Canada, and our tolerant stance on abortion, and many other issues. I just hope one of your so called "pro-lifers" don't try to assassinate him while he's getting his award, or perhaps there could just be another attempt to bomb his clinic. Now, there's respect for life for ya.
@trell8402 (274)
• United States
2 Jul 08
I know, and you would think he would be Pro Life seeing he survived the Holocaust. Seeing all those people die would be enough for me.
@martindale (163)
• United States
1 Jul 08
I knew nothing about this man, but I like him. I believe that when it is illegal for a woman to choose, it opens the door for less than adequate care. It is obvious that it has always been a man's world, so thank goodness for a few that stand up for us. We need more impathetic men in the world. Most of them have no idea what it can be like to have to fight for rights that they take for granted on a daily basis. I don't even live there and he's a hero to me.
@maryrajam1962 (257)
• Malaysia
2 Jul 08
He is a butcher, a murderer of innocent lives not a hero. I have no respect for abortionist no matter what reasons they give. Women who did not want their babies can give them up for adoption. No need to resort to messy murder of the innocent. I myself brought up an unwanted baby instead of doing abortions like other women. I am proud of my decision and I now live happily with my child. I receive lots of blessings and support from God.
@avidwhit (1492)
• Mexico
1 Jul 08
I personally am not for murder at any age, but with respect and consideration for all I must pass on congrads to this Henry. Twenty years back I had a cuisen and his girlfriend and she became pregnant. They tried to abort the baby themselves almost killing her and the baby. For this reason and many others the work this man Henery has done needs to be allowed.:)
@bonbon664 (3466)
• Canada
3 Jul 08
It was incredible what this man has been through. If anyone deserves this honour, I think it's him. I can see heads exploding all over Canada as we speak, but, finally the governent did something that not everyone will like.
