Dr. Henry Morgentaler: A Pioneer

Dr. Henry Morgentaler: A Pioneer in Securing Safe Abortions in Canada

This paper compares two scholarly journal articles with two newspaper articles, regarding abortion rights pioneer, Dr. Henry Morgentaler. A summary of one journal article is also presented.

Scholarly Journal vs. Newspaper Comparison:

Dr. Henry Morgentaler is discussed in each of the four selected articles. The Humanist (1992) article was the first scholarly article reviewed. In it, Dr. Morgentaler's accomplishments and personal biography are presented in a concise and factual manner. It is noted that Dr. Morgentaler is one of the leading supporters of abortion rights, but this is discussed in a historical context acknowledging the humanist aspect of his work without passing judgment on the topic itself.

Moulton's (2003) article detailed Dr. Morgentaler's 2003 legal action against the province of New Brunswick. Once again, in a non-biased manner, the author describes Dr. Morgentaler's belief that New Brunswick was in violation of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canada Health Act by specifying that only abortions performed in hospitals were covered.

In contrast, Mills (2007) article also discusses current litigation brought forth by Dr. Morgentaler against New Brunswick, again for violating civil rights for refusing to pay for abortions performed at clinics. However, the article also focused not on the legal issues at hand, but on the demonstrators who had situated themselves outside the court room. Interestingly, the bulk of the article is made up of select quotes from Dr. Morgentaler, Jula Hughes from the Faculty of Law at the University of New Brunswick, and a spokesman for the Right to Life group.

Lastly, although Jeffs (2007) was passionate in his writing, it was clearly biased in response to his Pro-Life views. He discusses the 38th anniversary of the acquisition of abortion rights and the damage he feels it has done to both Canada and Canadian women specifically. He describes his first meeting of Dr. Morgentaler and the candlelight vigil he attended in protest. His anti-abortion rights views are further dramatized by his citing of his 12-year-old son characterizing Dr. Morgentaler as not being an honorable man.

It is interesting to compare the scholarly journal articles vs. those from newspapers. The journal articles focus on facts and historic details. There appears to be a conscious effort not to form an opinion, but rather to simply provide information to the readers. In contrast, the newspaper articles, particularly that of Jeffs (2007) is far more biased and emotional.

Even Mills (2007) doesn't provide actual facts about the impending litigation, but instead focuses on the more emotional statements provided by clearly biased parties.

Summary of Scholarly Article:

Moulton (2007) discusses Dr. Morgentaler's 2003 litigation against the province of New Brunswick. Dr. Morgentaler surmised that New Brunswick's legal position was in breach of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canada Health Act. In 1985, New Brunswick's government amended the Medical Act such that any physician performing an abortion not in a hospital, would be guilty of professional misconduct. In 1994, this provision was found to be unconstitutional.

However, New Brunswick still refuses to pay for abortions performed in privately operated clinics.

Doctor Morgentaler is quoted by Moulton (2003) as accusing the New Brunswick provincial government of not only being sexist and chauvinistic, but also of oppressing women. He relates the money that has been saved by not paying for these abortions to be in direct relation to the misery of women. However, Dr. Ed Schollenberg notes that there are more factors than just the debate over abortion that factor into this issue. There is also a general reluctance to provide funding for any private medical services, in New Brunswick. Although other areas of Canada enjoy a variety of private services, many of these are not covered by the New Brunswick provincial insurance program. This is coupled with a history of restricted access to abortion in the area, further increasing Dr. Morgentaler's challenge.

The result of the provincial government's restrictions are significant to women, especially those in rural areas and smaller communities. With reduced access in major metropolitan centers, this will further negatively affect access in these more rural areas. As an example, Moncton Hospital, which had been performing more than 300 abortions per year, changed their policy in 2003 to only performing emergency abortions, further limiting access to women in the province.

Annotated Bibliography

Humanist profile. (Jul/Aug 1992). Humanist, 52(4). Retrieved October 23, 2007, from Academic Search Premier database.