The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops is dismayed by the upcoming appointment of Dr. Henry Morgentaler to the Order of Canada. We believe that linking this award to a procedure as harmful as abortion constitutes a serious error which undermines the significance of the Order of Canada.

On the Governor General’s website, it is written that “The Order of Canada’s motto is DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (They desire a better country)”. Far from improving our country, Dr. Morgentaler’s actions continue to create controversy and division in our nation. In the name of freedom of choice, he has encouraged the development of a culture of death and has thus attacked the most vulnerable, the unborn.

Awarding such a decoration in this context discredits the Order of Canada. It amounts to an inadmissible affront to the numerous Canadians who dedicate their lives to the protection of the most vulnerable, especially the unborn.

We ask the appropriate authorities to reconsider this nomination and not to award this distinction to Dr. Morgentaler.

2 July 2008