Anne TootillAbortion crusader Henry Morgentaler receives Order of Canada
July 3rd 2008 06:37
TORONTO - Abortion rights activist Henry Morgentaler said Wednesday he's honoured that his work has "finally" been recognized with the country's highest civilian honour and hopes the country has set an example for governments around the world.
Best known for taking his fight to the Supreme Court and striking down the country's abortion laws 20 years ago, Morgentaler expressed surprise that those opposed to him being named to the Order of Canada have not been "more violent."
While also not shocked that the Harper government has distanced itself from the controversial decision, Morgentaler said he's proud that abortion has become "one of the safest surgical techniques" in the country.
"Women no longer die as a result of abortion, women no longer get cut up or damaged as a result of abortion, women no longer lose their fertility as a result of abortion," Morgentaler, 85, said at a media conference at his Toronto clinic.
"The situation has improved greatly over most of Canada, and I'm proud of that."
Morgentaler, who was imprisoned for 10 months for performing abortions illegally before the law was struck down and once saw his clinic bombed, said the award vindicates the personal sacrifices he has made.
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Comment by Louie
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randomthoughts
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this is going to be fun, let me get popcorn.....
just remember people, everyone is entitled to their own view AND those with extreme views will never change...
PLAY NICELY
Comment by RubySoho
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It's funny how the abortion anger rages, then dies down, then flares up again. All the while doctors like Morgentaler just keep doing what they are doing. The women of Canada owe him a debt of gratitude for putting their rights ahead of his own freedom and safety.
Comment by Anne Tootill
The Female View
"Women no longer die as a result of abortion, women no longer get cut up or damaged as a result of abortion, women no longer lose their fertility as a result of abortion,"
That's the bottom line.
Comment by Morgan Bell
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Comment by Anne Tootill
The Female View
he's a legend.
Comment by Dr. Mark Milotay
As someone who lost a child to abortion, I can honestly attest to the fact that it truly is the taking of a life. I can't decide that another person is doing things to impact the direction of my life, and kill them. Yet a woman can decide to abort a child, how is this right?
Rather than taking lives, we should be working to provide sufficient support to women who find themselves in the position of wondering whether or not to keep their baby.
While in Canada we pride ourselves on being an open and just society, by granting this honour to Mr. Morgenthaler, we are betraying these core elements of the Canadian persona. Maybe next year the Governor General will nominate Paul Bernardo for the Order of Canada.
As a Canadian, a Jew, a parent, and a health practitioner, I am horrified that he is even being considered for the Order of Canada.
Comment by Anne Tootill
The Female View