Tue. Jul. 1 2008 5:29 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
The Governor General's Office announced Tuesday abortion rights activist Dr. Henry Morgentaler has been named to the Order of Canada.
Morgentaler is among 75 Canadians appointed for one of Canada's highest honours. The appointments -- which went into effect in April -- also include former prime minister Kim Campbell, former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna, and former Vancouver mayor Philip Owen.
The Governor General's website states that Morgentaler was made a member of the Order of Canada for "his commitment to increased health care options for women, his determined efforts to influence Canadian public policy and his leadership in humanist and civil liberties organizations."
Morgentaler has been a controversial figure for decades, playing a key role in striking down Canada's abortion laws in 1988. He had been openly performing illegal abortions -- which had been only allowed on limited terms in some hospitals -- since the late 1960s. He now runs clinics across Canada.
While some consider Morgentaler a hero for his legal and political battles on behalf of abortion and women's rights, many anti-abortion activists consider him undeserving of one of Canada's most prestigious honours.
Feminist author Judy Rebick said Morgentaler's appointment was long over due.
"Certainly most women believe this is a huge victory, and he put his liberty and his life on the line to win it, and I think that should be recognized," she said.
"The abortion debate is over in this country, the pro-choice side won, and Dr. Morgentaler was a big part of that victory."
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