NAF Canada works to ensure that abortion is safe, legal, and accessible, which promotes health and justice for women. Our work includes:
Today, Canada is one of only a few countries without a federal law restricting abortion. Abortion has been legal throughout Canada since 1988. Learn more
In Canada, access to health services is guaranteed by the Canada Health Act. Abortion is considered a safe, legal, insured and funded service, meaning that a woman should not have to pay for abortion services in Canada. However, access is variable across the country and women are charged fees at some facilities. Learn more
Dr. Henry Morgentaler was a Canadian physician, a prominent pro-choice advocate, and a longtime NAF member.
Dr. Morgentaler challenged the Canadian criminal code by founding the first freestanding abortion clinic in Canada. He was tried and jailed for providing safe abortion care to women. His challenges eventually led to the 1988 landmark Supreme Court of Canada decision that gave women the right to obtain abortion care. When Canada's top Charter experts compiled a list of the most important and influential Charter cases, not surprisingly R. v. Morgentaler was included.
Throughout his life, he worked to increase women's access to quality abortion care in Canada. He survived numerous threats on his life, a clinic bombing, and constant protests.
Dr. Morgentaler was the recipient of numerous awards, including NAF's highest honour, the Christopher Tietze Humanitarian Award. The Tietze Award honours significant, lifetime contributions in the field of abortion care or policy. In 2007, NAF also presented a special award to Dr. Morgentaler honouring him as a "national treasure" to both Canada and the United States. In 2008, Dr. Morgentaler was appointed to the Order of Canada.
