Polarizing figure Henry Morgentaler dies at age 90







Today marks a significant day in Canada’s history with the death of Dr. Henry Morgentaler at the age of ninety. His youth was spent in Dachau concentration camp, while his he devoted his adult life to his strong belief in pro-choice, and a women’s right to have control over her body.

Morgentaler was an activist early on, and a leader for social change in this country. Morgentaler was one of the first doctors to give out vasectomies, and provide birth control pills to those who were not married.

Morgentaler then took on authorities in his Montreal Quebec abortion clinic, where he was charged with performing illegal abortions.  Morgentaler was involved in three legal cases, all leading up to the landmark case R. v. Morgentaler which saw the abortion provision struck down as it was deemed unconstitutional and violated women’s section 7 rights to security of the person.

The somewhat turbulent life of Morgentaler did not end with the completion of legal cases however, as Morgentaler was under constant threats from anti-abortion protesters who have gone as far as fire-bombing his Toronto clinic. Those against abortion have claimed Morgentaler to be everything from a baby-killer, to someone who is dangerous and damaging of women as well as their bodies. His allies would see him as someone who tried to give freedom to women over their own bodies.

He received the Order of Canada on July 1st, 2008. The Order of Canada website explains why he was given the acknowledgement, and portrays him as a champion for women’s health care and civil liberties.

  "[Morgentaler is acknowledged] For his commitment to increased health care options for women, his determined efforts to influence Canadian public policy and his leadership in humanist and civil liberties organizations." 

Regardless of what your own personal views happen to be on the issue of abortion, there is certainly no denying that Henry Morgentaler was a prolific figure in Canada’s history and changed not only our legal system, but also had an effect on our social mores. Upon accepting his Order of Canada, Morgentaler made a simple acceptance speech thanking Canada and acknowledging it as a free and open democracy.

“Canada is one of the few places in the world where freedom of speech and choice prevail in a truly democratic fashion. I’m proud to have been given this opportunity, coming from a war-torn Europe, to realize my potential and my dream, to create a better and more humane society.”     

Neither his critics nor his supporters will forget Henry Morgentaler, and his effect on Canada will be everlasting.


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