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.
It should be noted that with basically unrestricted access to abortion, and with universal healthcare, the abortion rate in Canada is only about 7% higher than in the USA. Imagine that ...
No comments:
Post a Comment
Not moderated but I do delete spam and I would rather that people not act like assholes.