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| The
University of Western Ontario will give an honorary degree to
Dr. Henry
Morgentaler. | | Morgentaler honoured by university
Abortion pioneer not worthy of degree, critics say
Western
refuses to back down on touchy decision
PAT
CURRIE
SPECIAL TO THE
STAR
LONDON, Ont. —A decision to award Dr. Henry
Morgentaler with an honorary degree has caused an uproar for the
University of Western Ontario.
A member of Parliament, the university's three religious colleges
and a professor are protesting the honour that will be bestowed upon
Canada's pioneer abortionist doctor.
Yesterday, Joanne McGarry, a Western graduate and executive
director of the Catholic Civil Rights League, said her organization is
asking disgruntled alumni to register their displeasure by stopping their
donations to the university.
"This man's sole contribution to Canada has been the taking of life
in unprecedented numbers," said McGarry.
But the university isn't budging.
"The decision has been made. We expect people will continue to talk
about it but we are honouring that decision," said Ted Garrard, a Western
vice president.
London MP Pat O'Brien, also an alumnus, is urging the university to
find another recipient for the degree.
"I told them there has to be a long list of deserving medical
people, so why did they have to single out this guy?" said O'Brien, who is
also a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage.
"This was a bad decision," he said, adding that it "may well result
in a drop in donations from alumni.
"Either they are very naive or they have deliberately made a very
controversial decision that could have a negative impact for years,"
O'Brien said.
Each year, a committee of about 18 members, representing faculty,
staff, students and alumni, select 13 honorary degree recipients.
"Hundreds of names are considered every year. Each choice is
decided by majority vote," said Garrard, a committee member.
"Dr. Morgentaler was chosen on his merits as an advocate of women's
rights and for standing his ground on an important societal issue."
The committee proceedings are confidential.
Garrard said no other nomination has created such a ruckus. Since
the announcement was publicized over the weekend, the university has
already received about 100 messages on this decision alone, said Garrard,
adding that "most of them (are) supportive."
But sociology professor and separate school board chairperson Paul
Whitehead has said he will boycott the June 10 academic procession
immediately preceding the Morgentaler award.
"Instead, I plan to march in peaceful vigil against what I consider
to be an appalling decision by my employer of 35 years," he wrote in a
letter.
Morgentaler wasn't available for comment.
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