Giving Dr. Morgentaler the Order of Canada, was that a good decision?

Question

See article:

http://www.canada.com/montrealgazette/news/editorial/story.html?id=ee0403c9-d008-41c9-9dd5-0706432945f5&k=47673

Answer 1

I have never heard a good argument against abortion. I think giving him the order of Canada sends a very important message to the people.

This man was no ignoramus - He would have seen much suffering and death during the war, children, women, men, babies.... He knew that suffering is far worse than death.

He believed in freedom of the individual, freedom of choice concerning abortion, and he devoted his life to this and suffered greatly for it.

It's not just about what he has done, it's about what he has stood for, and his courage and determination.

Yes, he very much deserves this order!

Answer 2

He should be given this award.  He not only gave women a right to choose safe, medical abortions but he also returned to them autonomy over their own sexuality and reproductive rights.

Answer 3

Canada has, once again, earned my admiration.

Good on the people awarding these honours for giving recognition to someone who has struggled to provide better healthcare and choice for Canadian women for decades.

These issues are facts of life, and while I can understand some would not be happy that a person in this field has been honoured, the fact is, we just can't sweep all the stuff we think is distasteful under the carpet and say 'out of sight, out of mind'.

I wish my country would recognise people who have done the hard yards in places others prefer not to know about, and congratulate Canada on their brave stand!

Cheers ;-)

Answer 4

ABORTION IS NOT MURDER. TO THOSE WHO DISAGREE READ THIS ARTICLE:

http://www.dbcuuc.org/sermons/001001.htm

AND

http://www.capmag.com/article.asp?ID=483...

ABORTION RIGHTS ARE PRO-LIFE. MORE PRO-LIFE THAN PRO-LIFERS, READ THIS ARTICLE:

http://www.capmag.com/article.asp?ID=240...

AND

http://www.abortionisprolife.com/faq.htm

THESE ARE SOME QUOTES ON ABORTION:

http://www.abortionisprolife.com/quotes....

FOR THE RELIGIOUS, THIS IS WHY ABORTION IS NOT A SIN, WHO ARE YOU TO JUDGE WOMEN WHEN EVEN GOD DOES NOT, READ THIS ARTICLE

http://www.postfun.com/pfp/blasphemy.htm...

THE BIBLE SUPPORTS ABORTION AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS.

PRO-LIFERS STOP CALLING PRO-CHOICE, WOMEN'S RIGHTS ACTIVIST MURDERERS. WHEN YOU DO NOT THINK OF THE LIFE OF THE MOTHER, YOU ARE MURDERERS AS WELL.

ABORTION SHOULD NEVER BE SEEN AS BIRTH CONTROL AND MAJORITY OF THE WOMEN DO NOT SEE IT AS THAT. FURTHERMORE I HATE WOMEN WHO DO NOT TAKE BIRTH CONTROL SERIOUSLY AND MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO PROMOTE MORE INFORMATION ON BIRTH CONTROL.

Answer 5

Yes.  Because of his tireless work and dedication to the cause abortion law in Canada was struck down by the Supreme Court.

The women of Canada owe Dr. Morgentaler a huge debt.  He is a hero.

'In 1988, when the Supreme Court struck down Canada's 1969 abortion law as unconstitutional, Chief Justice Brian Dickson wrote, "Forcing a woman, by threat of criminal sanction to carry a fetus to term unless she meets certain criteria unrelated to her own priorities and aspirations, is a profound interference with a woman's body and thus a violation of her security of the person."'

Who can sum it up better than that?

*Its is obvious that some are blissfully unaware of the obstacles that remain to Canadian women who need abortions.  From personal experience, I can attest to the fact that access is hardly free and unfettered.  Access remains uneven throughout the country, and I believe that certain jurisdictions are in violation of the Canada Health Act.  This is in breach of federal law, and problems need to be identified and addressed.  How about the Feds withold federal transfer funds until the offending Provinces fall in line and abide by the law of the land?

-- Just a thought.

Answer 6

As much as I appreciate what he did, I think giving him the Order of Canada was a very risky move. It's divided Canadians more than anything else ever has.

Answer 7

Well, let's see....

Dr. M faced death threats, survived a firebomb at his clinic and endured a prison sentence - all to ensure that women were granted their LEGAL access to a safe medical procedure.  Believe what you want about abortion, but the fact remains that it is a legal procedure in Canada, and Dr. M was merely ensuring the rights of Canadian women.  

This discussion about his being awarded the Order of Canada should be about his commitment to Canadians and Canadian Law.  But - as it always does - it has devolved into a right/wrong discussion about abortion.  That isn't the issue at hand.  But if we WANT to take it to that level - how bout we discuss the fact that it was PRO LIFERS who firebombed his clinic?  How's that for being law abiding and respecting the sanctity of life?