Dr. Henry Morgentaler

Paper Summary:

This paper profiles Dr. Henry Morgentaler, an early proponent and practitioner of abortion in Canada, leading to the changing of the law in Canada and greater acceptance of abortion as a medical option. It notes that Morgentaler has also been a polarizing figure since that time, perhaps even more since he made certain comments on abortion and its future to reports recently.

From the Paper:

"Dr. Henry Morgentaler has become a major leader in medical circles in Canada for his stand on abortion, and he was important as a leader in the battle to make abortion a right in Canada. He has also been a polarizing figure, as one writer notes when stating, An abhorrent man to some individuals, righteous champion of women's rights to others - there is little fence-sitting when conversation turns to Dr. Henry Morgentaler. (Mayne para. 1) Morgentaler was born in Poland and survived Auschwitz before settling in Montreal in 1950. In 1969, he saw an important need and gave up his family practice to begin performing abortions, though they were then illegal. He was much criticized by the government, the police, the judicial system, and many religious groups, and this would continue for years and include several trials, raids on his clinics, a clinic fire-bombing, and even 10 months in jail. The issue was resolved under ..."

More papers on Dr. Henry Morgentaler:

• Analytical Essay # 115788 : "The Canada Charter of Rights"
• Analytical Essay # 117953 : "The Stories of Dr. Seuss"
• Essay # 36499 : "Dr Pepper"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: