This email is sent on behalf of the Manitoba Women’s Advisory Council

On May 29, 2013 Henry Morgentaler, a committed activist and crusader for women’s reproductive rights, passed away at the age of 90. Mr. Morgentaler was a trailblazer in the eyes of many Canadians. His advocacy efforts to legalize abortion services in Canada empowered generations of women with this fundamental right, and resulted in the creation of a system of safe abortion access for Canadian women.

Mr. Morgentaler’s lobbying efforts included appearing before a federal judicial committee in support of legalizing abortion and bringing forward the Supreme Court case which ultimately struck down Canada’s abortion law as unconstitutional. He also worked towards universal access by establishing abortion clinics across Canada, including in Winnipeg in 1983. He received the Order of Canada in 2008, recognizing his contributions to health care reform for women.

Mr. Morgentaler’s work was rooted in deep compassion and a sense of justice for women’s right to safe and adequate reproductive health services. His legacy will live on through the enduring impact of his legal reforms, and by the future generations of women who now have this fundamental right.