When I first set out to write this article, I tried to be very analytical about it, listing the people who have so far decided to return their Order of Canada and why. I was then going to give my quick opinion of the whole thing while saying that I also understand the other side’s opinion. Then I was going to leave it open for discussion. But when I read it over, it sounded false to me. Almost watered down. I wasn’t sure why at first, but then it hit me: I was sugar coating the whole thing, because as someone who is pro-choice, I’ve learned to be very careful what I say about abortion.

That’s right, I’m pro-choice. But I don’t tell a lot of people. I don’t like being called ‘soulless’ or a ‘baby killer’. I also don’t like getting lectured about when a fetus is a baby and all that stuff. Because someone who comes out pro-choice risks being treated as subhuman. Just because I would most likely never have an abortion doesn’t mean that I think I have the right to decide what other woman can or can’t do. And whether you support it or not, abortions are going to happen. So why not let woman have a safe place to get them?

That’s what Dr. Henry Morgentaler has been fighting to do most of his life. He has provided so many woman the dignity and security of doing what they felt they had to do without having to pay someone in cash to perform the abortion in the back room of a house or apartment.

Do I think Morgentaler deserves to receive the Order of Canada? Damn right I do. And it’s about time. So of course I was very happy when it was announced earlier this month that he would be awarded Canada’s highest honor. And I wasn’t one bit surprised that there has been so much protest and so many other recepients who have chosen to slap Canada in the face and return their Order of Canada pins.

So far four have decided that they do not want to share the honor with Morgentaler. And there have been numerous protests by the general public and petition signing galore. Pop on facebook and see how many groups there are opposing Morgentaler’s award. But there has also been tons of support for the doctor. I just think that those who are supporting him are being a bit quieter about it. Maybe they don’t want to be called “soulless” either.

If you want to protest the awarding of the Order of Canada to Dr. Morgentaler, go right on ahead. I’m not going to stop you. I just ask that you respect my right to support him.