Jun. 16, 2005. 01:16 PM
The University of Western Ontario today presented an honourary doctor of laws degree to abortion doctor Henry Morgentaler.
Morgentaler awarded honourary degree
CANADIAN PRESSLONDON, Ont. — As about 300 protesters gathered outside – about one third of the number that was inside – Dr. Henry Morgentaler accepted an honourary law degree from the University of Western Ontario today with a recounting of his long crusade for legal abortions in Canada.
In a convocation speech, Morgentaler outlined the battle he began waging in 1967 for legal abortions, which he called a ``revolutionary concept” at the time.
“Over the last 37 years, I have dedicated myself to achieve rights to reproductive freedom and to provide facilities where women could obtain safe abortions in an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion,” said Morgentaler.
“I decided to provide safe abortions on request on humanitarian grounds in defiance of a law which I considered unjust and cruel, exposing women to death and injury.”
Morgentaler went through four jury trials and 10 months in jail before the Supreme Court of Canada struck down the country’s law in 1988.
While the physician told the graduates that he did not advocate civil disobedience, he urged them to stand up for their rights.
“You are the younger generation, you can change what’s going on in Canada through your political influence,” he said.
Outside the auditorium, protesters held signs that read Abortion Kills Children, and displayed graphic images of aborted fetuses. A handful began praying at one point.
Protest organizer Nikki Cooke said many in the community were upset the school gave the 82-year-old Morgentaler an honorary doctor of law degree.
“He kills babies and it’s totally wrong,” said Cooke. “Every single person has a right to live.”
The decision to award him the degree drew criticism from anti-abortion groups, polarized the university and sparked duelling letters between the school’s two highest officials.
Betty Armstrong, 72, of London, grandmother of a graduate in geography and environmental management, said she supported honouring Morgentaler.
“I say hooray for the university,” said Armstrong.
“I’m pro-choice and I feel he was a pioneer and he helped a lot of women and I think it’s a good thing.”
University officials beefed up security for the ceremony, which included almost 400 graduates from the faculties of graduate studies and social sciences.
Students were limited to two guests each and there were no extra tickets available.
A barrier kept the silent protesters away from the hall.
University president Paul Davenport has been unequivocal in his support amid a flood of letters and emails from anti-abortion activists, who gathered outside his home in a silent protest May 15.
One dissenting member of the senate committee that made the choice resigned.
Don McDougall, the chairman of Western’s board of governors, denounced the selection in an open letter last month.
He argued that honouring such a controversial figure had the potential to create a “circus environment” at what should be a celebration of academic achievement.
He also lashed out at the selection committee, chaired by Davenport, calling the process “corrupted.”
Yesterday, the committee responded by saying Morgentaler was elected “by a process that was fair, open and reflected normal practice.”
The University of Western Ontario today presented an honourary doctor of laws degree to abortion doctor Henry Morgentaler.
Morgentaler awarded honourary degree
CANADIAN PRESSLONDON, Ont. — As about 300 protesters gathered outside – about one third of the number that was inside – Dr. Henry Morgentaler accepted an honourary law degree from the University of Western Ontario today with a recounting of his long crusade for legal abortions in Canada.
In a convocation speech, Morgentaler outlined the battle he began waging in 1967 for legal abortions, which he called a ``revolutionary concept” at the time.
“Over the last 37 years, I have dedicated myself to achieve rights to reproductive freedom and to provide facilities where women could obtain safe abortions in an atmosphere of acceptance and compassion,” said Morgentaler.
“I decided to provide safe abortions on request on humanitarian grounds in defiance of a law which I considered unjust and cruel, exposing women to death and injury.”
Morgentaler went through four jury trials and 10 months in jail before the Supreme Court of Canada struck down the country’s law in 1988.
While the physician told the graduates that he did not advocate civil disobedience, he urged them to stand up for their rights.
“You are the younger generation, you can change what’s going on in Canada through your political influence,” he said.
Outside the auditorium, protesters held signs that read Abortion Kills Children, and displayed graphic images of aborted fetuses. A handful began praying at one point.
Protest organizer Nikki Cooke said many in the community were upset the school gave the 82-year-old Morgentaler an honorary doctor of law degree.
“He kills babies and it’s totally wrong,” said Cooke. “Every single person has a right to live.”
The decision to award him the degree drew criticism from anti-abortion groups, polarized the university and sparked duelling letters between the school’s two highest officials.
Betty Armstrong, 72, of London, grandmother of a graduate in geography and environmental management, said she supported honouring Morgentaler.
“I say hooray for the university,” said Armstrong.
“I’m pro-choice and I feel he was a pioneer and he helped a lot of women and I think it’s a good thing.”
University officials beefed up security for the ceremony, which included almost 400 graduates from the faculties of graduate studies and social sciences.
Students were limited to two guests each and there were no extra tickets available.
A barrier kept the silent protesters away from the hall.
University president Paul Davenport has been unequivocal in his support amid a flood of letters and emails from anti-abortion activists, who gathered outside his home in a silent protest May 15.
One dissenting member of the senate committee that made the choice resigned.
Don McDougall, the chairman of Western’s board of governors, denounced the selection in an open letter last month.
He argued that honouring such a controversial figure had the potential to create a “circus environment” at what should be a celebration of academic achievement.
He also lashed out at the selection committee, chaired by Davenport, calling the process “corrupted.”
Yesterday, the committee responded by saying Morgentaler was elected “by a process that was fair, open and reflected normal practice.”
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