Dr. Morgentaler Receives Canadian Labour's Highest Award

At its 25th Constitutional Convention on May 28, the CLC gave Dr. Henry Morgentaler its highest honour, the Award for Outstanding Service to Humanity, for his contribution to the cause of equality for women.

"This year the Canadian Labour Congress is shining the spotlight on the growing wage gap between men and women and the outrageous actions of a federal Conservative government that has turned the clock back on women's equality," said CLC President Ken Georgetti. "So it is more than fitting that as we celebrate Dr. Morgentaler's historic legal victory for women in the Supreme Court of Canada 20 years ago - we honour his amazing contribution to the advancement of human rights, women's equality, and progressive change."

The court’s ruling in 1988 declared the law that prohibited abortion to be unconstitutional, thus confirming women’s reproductive rights. The labour movement will fight any attempt to roll back the clock including the current attempt to do that by stealth through C-484, a Conservative private member's bill.

"Dr. Henry Morgentaler richly deserves the award he received. Canadian women owe him a debt of gratitude," said Darlene Dziewit, President of the Manitoba Federation of Labour. "Because of Dr. Morgentaler, women in Canada have the legal right to request an abortion when they deem it to be appropriate. The CLC was holding a Women's Conference in Ottawa on the day the Supreme Court released its momentous decision.

"I was at that conference. The mood was euphoric. I remember how hugely personal that decision was to me. I felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. We marched, on that very cold January day, to the Supreme Court, and we celebrated. Many of the women who were at that 1988 CLC Women's Conference were at this year's convention to watch Henry Morgentaler accept his award. How fitting.

"Canadian women may have gained the legal right to reproductive choice, but many still cannot access abortion services, due to unwilling doctors and others who use pressure to dissuade them. Some governments stymie women by refusing to provide the service in remote communities, or by funding cuts. In addition, anti-choice forces continue to threaten women by subtle - and not so subtle - means. The security was very tight at the award ceremony. Dr. Morgentaler, along with other abortion providers and supporters, regularly receives death threats."