February 06, 2026

E10 How Dr. Morgentaler Changed Women’s Rights Forever in Canada

59 minutes

Join hosts Jen, Kori & Zab as we discuss the fascinating and unexpected history of the fight for abortion rights in Canada. We’re learning about this issue through the trials and tribulations of Dr. Henry Morgentaler, a Canadian physician and fierce defender of the right of women to access safe abortions.

Takeaways:

The historical context of abortion rights in Canada is crucial to understanding current debates.

Dr. Henry Morgentaler played a pivotal role in advocating for abortion access in Canada.

Public sentiment around abortion has evolved, with a majority supporting some form of access.

Access to abortion in Canada is not federally guaranteed, leading to disparities across provinces.

The conversation around abortion often intersects with issues of women's rights and healthcare access.

Many women seeking abortions are already mothers, challenging stereotypes about who seeks these services.

The legal landscape surrounding abortion in Canada has changed significantly since the 1960s.

Empathy and compassion are essential in discussions about abortion and women's health.

The lack of federal legislation on abortion means that access can vary widely across the country.

Understanding the complexities of abortion requires acknowledging the various factors influencing women's choices.

Chapters:

00:00 Friendly host banter

00:53 Introduction to Abortion Rights in Canada

02:01 Historical Context of Abortion Rights in Canada

05:35 Methods of Abortion in the 1800’s

09:02 The Shift in Perception of Children and Abortion

12:36 Early Activism and Legal Challenges

16:56 Dr. Henry Morgentaler’s Impact

21:07 Morgentaler’s Background and Motivation

26:02 Legal Changes and Access to Abortion

27:53 The Historical Context of Abortion Rights in Canada

30:13 Morgentaler’s Legal Battles and Public Support

32:54 The Role of Jury Nullification in Abortion Cases

36:02 The Impact of Political Changes on Abortion Law

38:44 Morgentaler’s Continued Activism and Legal Challenges

43:28 Challenging the Abortion Law in Canada

44:33 The Fight for Abortion Rights

46:24 Supreme Court Ruling and Its Implications

47:35 Current State of Abortion Laws in Canada

49:27 Morgentaler’s Legacy and Continued Advocacy

50:27 The Personal Cost of Activism

52:07 Public Support and Perception of Abortion

54:36 The Complexity of Abortion Choices

56:51 The Need for Legal Clarity

58:36 Reflecting on Morgentaler’s Impact

References:

“Abortion in Canada.” Canada.ca, 11 October 2024, https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/sexual-health/abortion-canada.html. Accessed 26 January 2026.

Baird, Craig. “R v. Morgentaler.” Canadian History Ehx, 4 10 2022, https://canadaehx.com/2022/10/04/r-v-morgentaler/. Accessed 10 12 2025.

“Ethics - Abortion: Historical attitudes to abortion.” BBC, BBC, 2014, https://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/abortion/legal/history_1.shtml. Accessed 12 December 2025.

“Henry Morgentaler.” Wikipedia, 26 11 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Morgentaler. Accessed 10 12 2025.

Morgentaler, Henry, et al. “Supreme Court Judgement: R v. Morgentaler.” Supreme Court of Canada, LexUM, 28 01 1988, https://decisions.scc-csc.ca/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/item/288/index.do. Accessed 11 12 2025.

“The Struggle for Abortion Rights: The Morgentaler Decision.” Morgentaler25years.ca, 2013, https://www.morgentaler25years.ca/the-struggle-for-abortion-rights/. Accessed 12 12` 2025.

Contact Information: Find Murder of Crones on You Tube, Tik Tok, Facebook and Instagram.

Email : [email protected]

Special Thanks to www.dinnissendesign.com for Zabrina’s use of their show room for recording. Check them out for all your interior design needs. Dinnissen Design is located in Vancouver and Castlegar BC.

...more

View all episodes

By MofCrones