URGENT REQUEST
A Time for Honesty
July 6, 2008
On July 1, 2008 it was announced that Henry Morgentaler, Canada’s most famous abortion rights crusader was being inducted into the Order of Canada; our nation’s highest civic honour.
Controversy was expected to come from this announcement, and Canadians have not disappointed, with strong reactions coming from pro choice and pro-life activists. The unexpected response has come from those in Canada who up until a week ago had no strong feelings on the issue. It would seem that Morgentaler, who effectively silenced expressions of opposition to abortion on demand, has, with this nomination, re-opened the debate. Maybe this time we can engage in it honestly.
Honestly, most Canadians believe that abortion should be restricted in some cases. That late term abortions should be regulated, that abortion should not exist as a means of birth control and that gender selection cannot be supported as a reason for abortion in any circumstance, at any stage.
Honestly, activists like Henry Morgentaler have an international focus in their fight. He has said, “I hope that Canada has set an example and that internationally, people in governments will respond to it.” Joyce Arthur of Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada said in an interview with the Canadian Press that, “Canada is the only democratic country in the world that has no law on abortion-we set a good example for the rest of the world, and this Order of Canada further sets a good example because it sends a strong message that our society officially supports abortion rights, and women’s rights and we’re not afraid to say it out loud.”
Honestly, we don’t all “officially support abortion rights”.
Honestly, making reforms to the system that has been put in place for abortion in Canada will not mean that women in this nation who have been raped or were victims of incest will be dragged down dark alleys to receive hanger induced abortions. So, is it time? Can we talk?
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