Morgentaler tale must-see history
Could even make you proud to be Canadian
by Liz Braun, Calgary Sun, Jan 5, 2005
http://www.calgarysun.com/perl-bin/niveau2.cgi?s=films&p=91370.html&a=1

Seventeen years ago, the Supreme Court of Canada decided to change this country's abortion laws. The man who anchored the fight for women's reproductive rights is celebrated in a film called Choice: The Henry Morgentaler Story, which airs tonight on CTV at 9. Fascinating subject, so-so film - Choice: The Henry Morgentaler Story never quite makes the man three-dimensional. And it doesn't convey the news-grabbing hysteria or the emotional highs and lows of Morgentaler's battle on behalf of Canadian women. Never mind. As an historical document, Choice: The Henry Morgentaler Story is probably a must-see proposition.

Directed by John L'Ecuyer, Choice: The Henry Morgentaler Story stars David Eisner as Morgentaler. The story begins in Montreal in the '60s; Morgentaler is 44 and a successful physician who decides to take a shocking chance - he offers women safe abortions, even though the procedure is illegal. The story is told of how he, as a student, wandered into a ward reserved for women who had had backstreet abortions. Some were dying. Others had been rendered infertile. Morgentaler was profoundly moved by what he saw.

It took 20 years of legal battles to convey a seemingly simple idea that safe, legal abortions were preferable to the dangerous and furtive carry-on of illegal work. And Supreme Court triumph notwithstanding, Morgentaler had to wear a bulletproof vest at one point in his life. His Toronto abortion clinic was bombed in the 1990s.

As if the working life of Morgentaler was not fraught enough, his personal life - according to Choice: The Henry Morgentaler Story - was also complicated. The Holocaust survivor seems to have been a bit of a babe magnet. Who knew?

Morgentaler, portrayed as generally fearless and defiant in this movie, served time in prison over the abortion issue even though a Quebec jury had already acquitted him. Witnessing his tenacity makes Choice: The Henry Morgentaler Story worth seeing. And as people chip away at Roe vs. Wade south of the border, Choice: The Henry Morgentaler Story could even make you proud to be Canadian.

A recent Ipsos-Reid/CTV poll has shown that the majority of women aged 18-34 don't really know who Dr. Henry Morgentaler is or what he's done. If that applies to you, be sure to watch Choice: The Henry Morgentaler Story tonight.

Dr. Henry Morgentaler says if he had to fight again for women to win the right to have an abortion on demand, he would. "I was willing to go to jail, I was willing to die for it," he told CTV's Canada AM Wednesday. "So when I look back on it, I look at a life of achievement because I achieved a great deal and I'm very proud of it."

A TV movie about Morgentaler, entitled "Choice: The Henry Morgentaler Story,'' airs tonight on CTV. It chronicles how the physician defiantly began his fight for women's reproductive rights in 1967, even serving time in a Quebec prison in 1975 on abortion charges. The story culminates with the Supreme Court of Canada deciding to strike down this country's abortion laws in 1988.

Morgentaler, now 81, was an advocate for abortion rights at a time when attempting to induce an abortion was a crime punishable by life in prison. He gave up his family practice to focus solely on the fight for the right to perform abortions. Even now though, 17 years after the court battles have ended, the abortion debate continues to fire emotions for many. But Morgentaler says for him, the issue has always been straightforward. "I got involved because this was, for me, a fight for justice, for fundamental justice, and the fact that I could possibly do something to help women in spite of a law which did not allow me to do it."

And as lawmakers in the U.S. chip away at Roe vs. Wade -- the case that changed abortion laws in the U.S. -- Morgentaler believes that the laws in Canada are solid. "I think it has become an acquired right for women. And therefore it will be very difficult for anyone, any politician or any Parliament to change this. It's very hard to take away an acquired right."

As for the CTV movie about his life, Morgentaler says it's an accurate description of his fight. He just wishes he didn't come out appearing so callous. "Well, on the whole, I think it was a very well-done movie. But the only thing that I don't like about it is that my sweeter, nicer, gentler nature did not come out. "I was portrayed as a fighter for justice and so on, but they didn't do me justice as far as my personal life is concerned. Because I'm basically a nice guy."

David Eisner, who stars as Morgentaler, says it was a terrific role to play, especially with director John L'Ecuyer on board. "It's an actor's dream to play such an interesting, tumultuous character," he says. "I couldn't have done it without the director who is an incredible man in his own right and with his help, it really made a big difference."

While Morgentaler once dominated headlines in this country, a recent Ipsos-Reid/CTV poll showed that 78 per cent of Canadian women aged 18-34 couldn't identify who Morgentaler is or what he had done. Morgentaler says rather than see that as an indication that women don't appreciate the work he did, he says it's encouraging that his work is now taken for granted. "I think it's a good thing that many women don't know anymore about the enormous struggle that was necessary to bring this about," he says. "And let's face it, society's changed. Women no longer die as a result of abortion. Fewer children are born who are neglected or abused. There are few young men who have a rage in their heart; consequently there's been a decrease in crimes of violence. "On the whole, I think we have a better society because of all that."

Dr Henry Morgentaler: Fighting Canada's Abortion Laws, CBC Video Archives (In 1969 Dr. Henry Morgentaler emerged as one of Canada's most controversial figures when he broke the law and opened the country's first abortion clinic. Over the next two decades, the Montreal doctor would be heralded as a hero by some and called a murderer by others as he fought to change Canada's abortion laws...)

ABORTING AMERICA (...The PLANNED PARENTHOOD organization was allowed into schools and universities promoting abortion, pushing condoms and providing sexual education but PRO-LIFE groups were labelled "religious" for having opinions on right and wrong, in spite of the fact that PRO-LIFE is a non-denominational, non-religious organization whose membership is drawn from all people in society - whatever their religion or non-religion. And so too is the PRO-LIFE message directed to all people in society, in spite of their religion. The biggest abortion pusher in the country is actually a member of the Jewish religion, HENRY MORGENTALER, and he is never accused of pushing his religion....)

ABORTION PSEUDO-MEDICINE FRAUD (reader Karol says abortionist Morgentaler is a pseudo-medical fraud with only three years of medical school to his name)

IS ANIMAL FARM IN YIDDISH?

Yiddish writer's work inspired by Holocaust (former wife of Canada's abortion founder), Montreal Gazette, Feb 9, 2011

Abortion protester freezing in prison (prayed/held sign outside abortion clinic). NationalPost, Feb 14, 2011

Abortionist's lawsuit against Canada lanquishes (Morgentaler demands gov't pay for abortions), Jan 22, 2011

Canada's pro-life prisoner of conscience interview (Linda Gibbons behind bars for 8 of past 16 years; unlawfully arrested protesting genocide of unborn), National Post, Jul 30, 2010

Abortion clinics fear pro-life protesters, National Post, July 31, 2010
The information contained in a 1994 injunction that created a no-go zone for anti-abortion protesters around three downtown Toronto abortion clinics was issued in a climate of fear and antagonism between warring parties over the most contentious social issue of modern times. In 1988, the Supreme Court of Canada struck down the country's abortion law. It made Canada the only Western country to have zero rules and regulations on abortion, a situation that persists to this day. But despite the supreme court decision, there were many skirmishes to come. In 1989, Nova Scotia charged Henry Morgentaler with seven counts of performing unlawful abortions. That same year Parliament nearly passed bill C43, which would have made abortion a criminal offence but allowed the procedure in a broad range of situations. It was defeated. To add to the dismay of anti-abortion groups, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in 1991 that a child in the process of being born was not a "person" even when the head protruded from the birth canal.... Dr. Morgentaler, the former concentration camp inmate who opened the country's first abortion clinic illegally in 1969 in Montreal, filed an affidavit to the court describing what he thought was the tenor of the times. "The freestanding clinics in Toronto are particularly vulnerable because service providers and women attending the clinics are easily identified," he wrote in 1994. "These clinics have reported vandalism, arson and bomb threats. The seriousness of these activities is evident in the May 1992 destruction of the Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto as a result of a fire bombing. In addition to these extreme measures, more common and ongoing tactics such as blockading clinics and assaulting patients and staff have had a profound impact on access." He noted that the injunction would be a concrete sign that the justice system was willing to support a woman's right to choose. But the information in the document was not all one-sided. It also showed that there were many honourable anti-abortion protesters who sincerely believed that some sidewalk counselling would give women last-minute information before making a fatal mistake....

Canada population should be 100-million (gov't wants 70-million new immigrants). Ottawa Citizen, Jun 12, 2010
Canada should increase immigration rates to become a country of 100 million people and a proper world power instead of a nation content with "smallness" and little ambition to appreciably shape global affairs, says a rising star on public policy. In a provocative essay to be published Tuesday in the international affairs magazine Global Brief, the University of Toronto's Irvin Studin explores the strategic power that could be wielded by 100 million Canadians occupying a vast territory rich in natural resources, technology and strong national institutions. It's an imaginative and novel vision for the land, about to turn 143. "Grow the population variable significantly, and watch the overall strategic power of the country multiply", writes Studin, who is with the School of Public Policy and Governance. The former Privy Council Office staffer co-authored Canada's National Security Policy and is founding editor-in-chief and publisher of the nascent Global Brief magazine and globalbrief.ca. Studin calculates an aggressive immigration push to roughly triple Canada's current population of 34 million -- 100 million, he says, is symbolic, it could well be 85 million or 130 million -- would over a few generations produce a pincer-like effect.... Studin notes without a concerted campaign to populate the land, United Nations population projections point to a Canada of 44 to 50 million people by the year 2050. (Statistics Canada's highest projected growth rates put the population at 47,686,000 by 2036 and 63,755,900 by 2061.) Baby bonuses aside, Studin calculates a Canada of 100 million would presumably mean increasing the annual intake of immigrants, currently around 260,000 a year, by 20 to 30 per cent. Canada's population has roughly tripled every 65 or so years and Studin says the country could arguably make a policy push to reach the 100 million mark within a few generations, approximately 2080, largely through increased, "although not radically increased" immigration.....

CANADA KILLS PEOPLE BEFORE BIRTH

Canada's baby bust (unprecedented decline in number of children). Vancouver Sun, Jan 3, 2009

Canada PM says abortion debate is over, CBC, Dec 30, 2008
The Prime Minister's Office has reaffirmed its position that the government has no intention of reopening the abortion debate following a Conservative MP's comments that the issue needs to be addressed. "Throughout his political career, the prime minister has been clear on this issue," Dimitri Soudas, a spokesman for the prime minister, told the National Post. "We will not introduce or support legislation on abortion." Although the issue has come up during election campaigns, Harper has insisted that it will not be part of a Conservative government agenda. While he has not been specific about his own views, Harper has said they fall somewhere "between the two extremes." Earlier this week, Winnipeg MP Rod Bruinooge told reporters a pro-life caucus will be pushing for a debate on whether or not abortion should be legal right up until the moment of birth. Bruinooge, who is the new chair of the secretive anti-abortion parliamentary caucus, said people need to be better educated about Canada's abortion stance, which he says puts the country in a "class of its own." "Very few Canadians appreciate the fact that essentially until a child takes its first breath, it has less value than a kidney," Bruinooge told the Canadian Press. "In Canada you can't remove your kidney, and put it on eBay and auction it off. That is illegal. Whereas you actually can end a beating heart of an unborn child the second before it's delivered. Most Canadians would agree that is truly a poor bioethical position for our country to be in." Pro-choice advocates argue that Canadian doctors only perform such later-term procedures if there's a serious threat to the health of the mother or if it's virtually certain the baby wouldn't survive past birth.

Morgentaler named to Order of Canada, CBC, Jul 1, 2008
Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean has named a leading abortion rights crusader to the Order of Canada, news that has outraged anti-abortion groups....The Campaign Life Coalition said it is dreadful that a man who spent his life performing abortions should be honoured. The coalition is urging other Order of Canada recipients to return their medals in protest. "If Morgentaler had any integrity, he would refuse the medal," Mary Ellen Douglas of the coalition said in a news release. "This presentation should be given to people who have made Canada a better place to live and the elimination of thousands of human beings who would have contributed to the future of Canada is a disgrace, not an honour." Now 85, Morgentaler, a Polish Holocaust survivor who immigrated to Montreal after the war, opened his first abortion clinic in 1969 and performed thousands of procedures, which were illegal at the time. 'It's great to hear that he is finally being recognized for his hard work and dedication to Canadian women's rights.'

ABORTION IN CANADA TIMELINE (1969-2007)

Morgentaler tale must-see history (make you proud to be Canadian). Calgary Sun, Jan 5, 2005

Movie on Canada's abortionist Morgentaler says no regrets, CTV, Jan 5, 2005

Trudeau's Omnibus Bill: Challenging Canadian Taboos, CBC Archives YouTube, Jan 23, 1968
"There's no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation." Those unforgettable words made famous by Pierre Trudeau in 1967 caused a tidal wave of controversy that rippled across the entire nation. Trudeau's Omnibus Bill brought issues like abortion, homosexuality and divorce law to the forefront for the first time, changing the political and social landscape in Canada forever....It's a month after the Omnibus Bill is introduced and Trudeau is starting to feel the heat from members of the House. Some claim abortion is murder and that the sexual acts clause promotes homosexuality. Asked if he plans to proceed with the bill in the upcoming session of Parliament, Trudeau tells the CBC's Ron Collister in this clip that it is "classed as top priority for this session" and it "should be passed forward as fast as it can". While the bill sought to liberalize abortion laws in Canada, it didn't allow women to have 'abortion on demand', much to the disgruntlement of a growing number of feminists and pro-choice advocates at the time. Women didn't receive that freedom until Jan. 28, 1988 when the Supreme Court of Canada struck down Canada's abortion law as unconstitutional because it infringed upon a woman's right to "life, liberty and security of person." In this same interview, Trudeau is asked about rumours that he planned to announce that weekend his intention to run for the Liberal leadership. His answer? "That speculation is completely false." Less than two weeks later Trudeau formally declared his candidacy. On Apr. 6, 1968 he won the Liberal leadership election in a landslide and was sworn in as Canada's 15th Prime Minister on April 20.

JFK'S JUDGE WAS PRO-LIFE

ORWELL AGAINST ABORTION

WHERE HAVE ALL THE BABIES GONE?