Morgentaler Appointment Nothing to Celebrate

This column is not about whether you are pro-life or pro-choice.

Who are the people who decide appointments to the Order of Canada?

The appointment of Dr. Henry Morgentaler to the Order of Canada, a divisive figure to say the least, does not in my view speak for the vast majority of Canadians. To say he was important and influential is in my mind without question. But what is there to celebrate here?

While I would never take away a woman's right to an abortion, I believe that an abortion is a horrific, painful and desperate option for any woman to consider, not without guilt or emotional scars in many cases. And for pro-choice advocates to denigrate the idea of counselling and the presentation of options to women in this situation is I believe irresponsible.

So while Mr. Morgentaler fought and won this right in the courts, public reaction underscores why politicians won't put forth legislation or touch this issue with a ten-foot pole. So how it came to be that Dr. Morgentaler has been awarded the Order of Canada is something that frankly baffles me.