Tony Gosgnach
The Interim

The University of Western Ontario may be coming to the realization that it is getting in over its head with regard to its planned awarding of an honorary doctor of laws degree to Canada’s most notorious abortionist, Henry Morgentaler, the morning of June 16. However, to this date, it appears to be remaining steadfast in its decision to present the dubious honour.

Opposition has been growing to UWO’s move and now includes the establishment of a website devoted just to the issue: www.uwoprotest.com. The site includes a printable protest sign, downloadable at http://www.uwoprotest.com/carsign.pdf.

As of press time, almost 3,000 people, from various sectors of Canadian society, had signed an online petition against the award. They included alumni such as: the chair of UWO’s alumni branch in the U.K.; MPs Paul Szabo and Pat O’Brien; Dr. Jean Chamberlain, an assistant professor in obstetrics-gynecology at McMaster University; and Dr. John Kiernan, a Western faculty member and professor in the Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology.

“If we continue our rapid rate of growth this grassroots protest will explode into the stuff history is made of!” enthused the site’s webmaster, adding that those supporting the award for Morgentaler are “no more than a very small vocal minority of hardcore proponents of Morgentaler and abortion; so much so that they need to go to Americans to try to gain support.”

Ian Hunter, a newspaper columnist and a professor emeritus at UWO, said he read of the decision to honour Morgentaler “with disbelief.”

“It is inconceivable that the powers-that-be at Western, such as they are, could have made this decision without some awareness of the likely consequences … I will do all within my limited powers to persuade existing and potential donors not to contribute money to Western. Given the magnitude of (Western’s) intended recipient’s slaughter of the unborn, it seems the least one can do.”

Psychology professor Paul Whitehead, who has spent 35 years at Western, called the university’s move “a serious mistake” and said he will not attend convocation, but will instead stand outside the hall in full academic gown to protest peacefully.

An April 6, hour-long silent prayer walk in protest of the award on the grounds of UWO attracted a remarkable 250 people, including a dozen priests, 50 seminarians and members of the Islamic community. It was organized by Rev. Michael Smith, who teaches at the affiliated St. Peter’s Seminary. Participants began at two places, King’s and Brescia University Colleges, and ended outside the University Community Centre.

Participant Alex Schadenberg said he shared a strong feeling that the event was very effective. The walk ended with a talk by a representative of Project Rachel, which ministers to women negatively impacted by abortion.

Of course, Morgentaler is not without his supporters, especially in the media. The Edmonton Sun’s Mindelle Jacobs penned a column labelling him “a hero for women.” She was challenged by former Morgentaler supporter-turned-pro lifer Merle Terlesky, who asked her in an e-mail: “What is more important, truth or the law when it comes to defending life? … I fail to see your logic … Are you suggesting life is not life until it leaves the womb? … I am asking you to define life, please, as you know it.”

Jacobs would only tersely reply: “I support Canadian law on this issue. And I don’t have time to debate the topic.”

Commentator Stephen Gray slammed UWO for “scraping the bottom of the barrel” in contemplating an award for Morgentaler. “Surely our language has become debased when the word ‘distinguished’ is used to describe an abortionist,” he said.

Lawrence Jardine, an associate professor of pediatrics, said he is “saddened and disappointed” in UWO’s awarding a degree to a man “who has spent his entire life in the killing of children and in encouraging others to do likewise. This award to Henry Morgentaler brings this university and its honour into disrepute.”

Hidden in the controversy is the fact that another pro-abortion fanatic – leading feminist Doris Anderson, who is also, curiously, chair of the Ontario Press Council – is also being honoured at this year’s UWO convocation.

The latest word from university administration was that it is not reconsidering the Morgentaler award. Ted Gerrard, a Western vice-president, was quoted as saying, “The decision has been made … We are honouring that decision.”

Which only means pro-life advocates will have to ramp up their efforts further to get the award rescinded.