If Not Now, Then When?

Today it was announced in Fredericton that the Morgentaler Clinic will be shutting its doors after 20 years. From the press release:

The Morgentaler Clinic is closing for the following reasons:
• Many women are unable to pay for their abortions. As a result, the clinic revenue has never met expenses. Shortfalls were made up by Dr. Morgentaler personally.  In the past ten years the clinic has contributed over $105,400 to subsidize abortions for women unable to pay the full amount.
• The 2008 flood caused damage to the clinic totalling more than $100,000.  Many downtown businesses received some compensation but the clinic was denied any because it was not owned by a resident of New Brunswick.  Had Dr. Morgentaler not paid for the required repairs to keep the clinic open, the clinic would have closed in 2008.
• The clinic cannot continue to provide abortion services that are not publically funded.

As a former employee of the clinic, I can vouch for all three of these reasons. Every week I made appointments for women who didn't have any of the money to pay, or only had part of it. Of course we tried as much as possible to help direct them to funds, and we even sometimes tried payment plans, although of course this was a futile effort. I'm actually surprised the amount subsidized was not more than $105,400.

After the 2008 flood we spent hours in the basement of the clinic, trying to rescue as many patient files as possible, and using a borrowed ShopVac to frantically bail out the water. The city was compensating businesses affected by the flood; I was there when the government employee charged with inspecting the damage pulled up to our building, and, upon learning what kind of business it was, got back into his car and drove away without conducting the inspection. 

A clinic like this could never continue unfunded in a province like New Brunswick, and anyone who believed it could was dreaming. I think the provincial government may feel a sense of relief upon hearing the news of the clinic closing, but what they don't recognize is that this will only hurt the province - socially and economically - in the long term. 

The silver lining is that the clinic's closure may be the impetus needed to finally push the province into action. We must strike when the iron is hot; it is time for the people of New Brunswick to organize. In the wake of this news I would love to see two things:

1. Some kind of referral/support network for providing folks seeking abortion with the immediate care they need, just like in the bad old days when abortion was illegal. There needs to be a network where people can go and find out: sympathetic referral doctors; doctors who will provide medical abortions (when RU486 becomes available); funds to travel out of province for abortions; and people who can help with transportation and accommodations in that regard. It is important that people who need abortions continue to be able to access them.

2. Grassroots, hardcore protest action. Not standing outside the clinic with candles, because why would any legislator give a shit? I mean identifying specific targets and taking actual, stand-up-and-take-notice action. Set up a tent on the lawn of the Legislature and start providing abortions in it. Hang bloody coat hangers on the mailboxes of anti-choice MLAs. Abortion caravan that shit, chain yourselves to seats in the Legislature. They won't listen to reason, so get radical. Lives are at stake.

I hope that New Brunswick finds the energy and the spirit to fight back. If not now, then when?

R U 4 Choice? (sorry, I had to)

It is the 26th anniversary of the Morgentaler decision. As always we should celebrate this milestone, but only for what it is; a milestone, not the journey's end. Just because abortion is legal in Canada does not mean any person can have one at the drop of a hat, or at all. Rich white people have always been able to get the health care they need; choice means nothing without access.

Health Canada has spent over a year considering whether or not RU-486 (mifepristone) should be available in Canada. RU-486 would allow people to have medical, as opposed to surgical, abortions, which require significantly less trouble for patients and doctors alike.

In many places across the country, access to surgical abortion is severely limited (to non-existent), and as always it is marginalized populations who suffer the consequences. Rural communities, folks who cannot afford to travel long distances, folks who cannot take time from work, etc. Abortion providers, too, are over-worked and clinics are often under-staffed, and still waiting lists build up. Being able to have an abortion in one's own home, in a less intrusive fashion, would make a huge difference to so many people.

Consider undocumented agricultural workers, some of whom are fired and consequentially deported if they become pregnant. Taking a day off to drive to the nearest urban centre for an abortion can be an insurmountable obstacle; a medical abortion could really change that.

I don't think RU-486 being available in Canada will really turn anything on its head on a national level, or make a dent in the overall attitude of the federal or provincial governments regarding bodily autonomy. But on an individual level it could change lives. It is harm reduction. There is no reason for Health Canada to continue sitting on something that is already being used safely in several other countries, and I hope they run out of excuses soon.

Event: Morgentaler Memorial in Toronto

Just to let you know, there will be a memorial for Dr. Morgentaler in Toronto this Friday (July 19th). I will be there and I hope to see you all there as well!

Where: The Great Hall, Hart House, 7 Hart House Circle, Toronto
When: Friday, July 19th 2013
Time: 7:00pm (doors open at 6:30pm)

See the Facebook event here.

“You can be the only person in the world who believes something, and still be right.”

If you haven't already, go read Abraham Morgentaler's remembrance of his father in the Globe & Mail.

There should be a public memorial for Dr. Morgentaler coming up in Toronto in July - more to come.

RIP Dr. Henry Morgentaler

I just heard that Dr. Morgentaler passed away. I have a lot of feelings. I'll probably be writing something appropriately sentimental for Abortion Gang, but just wanted to let you all know in case you hadn't heard.

And to say thanks, as always. Thank you Henry.

**Update: here is my post at AG - and cross-posted at Shameless

25th Anniversary of the Morgentaler Decision: Round Up

Happy anniversary everyone! Y'all know I have a lot to say about what decrim hasn't done, but today is a day to celebrate the work of our mothers and grandmothers, along with Dr. Morgentaler, in getting the law struck down. That is not nothing!

I've rounded up some info for you if you're interested in reading up on the anniversary and/or attending a celebratory event in your community. Feel free to let me know in comments if there's anything I've missed!

EVENTS

Calgary - "Status Quo?" Screening of the NFB documentary, followed by a short Q&A on the unfinished business of the Morgentaler decision and the state of reproductive rights in Canada. The Plaza Theatre, 7pm Jan. 28, $5 at the door. Presented by the Calgary Pro-Choice Coalition.

Toronto - 25 Years Since the Morgentaler Decision: A Celebration! Panel featuring Judy Rebick, Michele Landsburg, Carolyn Egan, Angela Robertson, and Jillian Bardsley. Followed by a screening of The Life and Times of Henry Morgentaler. Innis Town Hall, 7pm Jan. 28, $5 at the door. Presented by OCAC.

Toronto - Morgentaler Decision Panel Discussion. Panel featuring Dr. Robert Scott, Morris Manning, Kirk Makin, Lorraine Weinrib, and Carolyn Egan. Bennett Lecture Hall, University of Toronto, 5:30pm Jan. 29, FREE (Registration required!!). Presented by the David Asper Centre for Constitutional Rights.

Sudbury - A Celebration of Struggle. Screening of "Abortion: Stories of Choice" followed by discussion. Women's Centre, Laurentian University, 2:30pm Jan. 28, FREE. Presented by Department of Women's Studies, Women's Studies Association, the Women's Centre and the Mineure en etudes des femmes.

Ottawa - Reception & Discussion. Live streaming of Toronto panel discussion, light refreshments, and speeches by Ottawa activists Melanie Jubinville-Stafford and Sahra Maclean. Room 7-50, 131 Queen St., 6pm Jan. 28, FREE (RSVP required!!). Presented by Niki Ashton and ACPD.

Everywhere - sign the guestbook with a message of thanks for Dr. M on ARCC's anniversary website


ARTICLES

25 Year After R. v. Morgentaler: Where does the law go from here? by me and Not Guilty (Abortion Gang)

Access Still the Issue on Anniversary of Supreme Court Decision by Women's Equality Prince Edward Island (PEI ACSW)

Twenty-five years on: how we won abortion rights by Carolyn Egan (rabble.ca)

Stories from the front lines of the abortion victory in Canada by Judy Rebick (rabble.ca)

Henry Morgentaler's Supreme Court win a landmark for abortion rights by Heather Mallick (Toronto Star)

Let's protect the rights we've earned by Vicki Saporta (Vancouver Sun)

Celebrating the Morgentaler Decision by Michelle Lovegrove Thomson (The Paltry Sapien)

Call to Action: 25th Anniversary of the Morgentaler Decision by the Radical Handmaids (Radical Handmaids)

The Morgentaler decision, 25 years on by Jesse McLaren (Socialist Worker)

Thank you Dr. Morgentaler! by Jennifer Rowe (Fat and Not Afraid)

In Honour of the 25th Anniversary of No Abortion Law

A press release from ARCC-CDAC

Abortion Rights Group Launches Website to Celebrate Jan 28, 1988 Supreme Court Decision and Dr. Henry Morgentaler

NATIONAL – In honour of the upcoming 25^th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s historic 1988 decision to overturn the nation’s criminal abortion law, the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada is delighted to dedicate a new website to the anniversary:

www.morgentaler25years.ca

The day of the court decision – January 28, 1988 – was one of jubilant celebration for Dr. Henry Morgentaler and pro-choice movement activists who had worked for decades to win abortion rights. “Our website honours the heroic sacrifices of Dr. Morgentaler, including numerous trials and a jail sentence, before he was finally and fully vindicated by the court,” said Julie Lalonde, the Ottawa-based spokesperson for the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC).

“The website also lists the benefits that decriminalizing abortion has had for Canadian women and society, including improved health outcomes and more equality for women,” said Joyce Arthur, Executive Director of ARCC. “Canada is the first country in the world to prove that abortion care can be ethically and effectively managed as part of standard healthcare practice, without being controlled by any civil or criminal law. Our success should be a role model to the world, because Canada’s experience is proof that laws against abortion are unnecessary,” said Arthur.

The Supreme Court of Canada had struck down the abortion law because it violated women’s rights to bodily security, as well as life, liberty, and autonomy. The justices ruled the law unconstitutional because it required a woman to obtain approval from a committee of three doctors before she could get an abortion, resulting in discriminatory obstacles and delays that increased medical risks.

“We invite the media and public celebrate the anniversary with us by signing the Guestbook on our website, checking out one of the events listed on our Events page, sharing a personal story about meeting Dr. Morgentaler, or sending him a private message, said Lalonde. ”The site is also a place to learn more about Canada’s abortion rights history and the Morgentaler Decision.”

The website contains many articles and photos related to the historic Supreme Court decision and the decades-long struggle by the pro-choice movement to achieve access to abortion for women. It includes a biography of Henry Morgentaler, a list of books and films featuring Dr. Morgentaler, a comprehensive history of the struggle for abortion rights, excerpts from the Supreme Court decision, updates on abortion access today in each province, and much more.

25th Anniversary Reflections (and events!)

January 28th, 2013 will mark the 25th anniversary of the Morgentaler decision. This is an occasion, for some, of pure celebration, but for the rest of us I believe it will be more a time of reflection - on what has been achieved, certainly, but also on what hasn't happened, and on where we go from here. The Canadian movement seriously needs to talk about how the Morgentaler decision - while momentous - was the culmination of a push towards goals that serve only white, urban, middle class cis women and leave the needs of poor, rural, racialized and trans people sorely unmet. We need to move beyond legislation, beyond access, towards justice.

I do think it is important to thank Dr. Morgentaler and the courageous folks who fought beside him, and this is as good a time as any! You can check out the pretty great site ARCC put up to commemorate the anniversary, which allows you to leave a special message of thanks (or whatever) to Dr. Morgentaler. You could also use this occasion as an excuse to check out your local clinic, maybe contact them to see if they need volunteers, or just send a card of thanks and appreciation. Personally I am celebrating by having a new IUD inserted, because I am a festive kind of lady.

In news more on the "reflection and moving forward" side of things, guys, you should all check out Status Quo?: the unfinished business of feminism in Canada. Here is the trailer:



There is going to be a Cinema Politica screening in Toronto on Feb. 5th at the Bloor Cinema - please come if you can! I promise you will love the film, and you'll even get to see me! In the film and also watching the film! Super meta.

In Fredericton, Cinema Politica is screening it on March 1st, so go check it out if you can. If you are not in either of these places, look out for it, because around International Women's Day (March 8) it should be playing in lots of cool places.

Thanks Again AGAIN, Henry!

Happy 23rd anniversary of the Morgentaler decision, everyone! This is a good day. We need to remember what a big deal it was to decriminalize abortion in Canada; we only need to look to the south to see that our approach is STILL innovative and progressive.

Of course we have a long way to go within our own country; there is so much stigma around abortion, reproductive health care and women's sexuality in general. And the opposition to abortion rights is nothing to be scoffed at: they have a lot of power and influence, and they are keeping us on our toes every day. Also, access to abortion in this country is shameful, particularly for rural, poor, racialized and otherwise marginalized women. There is still a lot of work for the pro-choice movement in Canada.

Still, I would like to raise a glass to Dr. Morgentaler - a Canadian hero - and all the women who stood with him through his struggles to eventually win this great victory. And of course to all the clinic staff and volunteers, activists and allies, friends and lovers who work every day to not only maintain the right to choose, but also to make abortion services better, easier to access, and more respectful. Thank you for trusting women.

I want to share this wonderful piece that one of my colleagues, a counsellor at the clinic where I work, wrote for the Globe and Mail: The human drama of abortion counselling.

Keep fighting the good fight, friends.

A Couple Things to Read

Hey friends! Here are some abortion-related things to check out...

First, my piece on Henry Morgentaler over at Feminists for Choice (just keeping our American friends informed).

Second, a quick article on Dr. Morgentaler's lawsuit against the province of New Brunswick, and how nothing is happening (still!).

And third, the most patronizing thing you will read today.

Cheers!

Meeting the Good Doctor

This past weekend I attended a staff holiday party for one of my two workplaces. Generally this would not be blog-worthy, except perhaps as an excuse for not blogging because of the aftermath of the Pedgehog let loose at an open bar and then left to teeter home on shoes much higher than her usual pair. Said disaster was narrowly averted by the saintly actions of one of my lovely coworkers, CL, who drove me home - soberly - and waited until I was in the door; and who, despite her constant need to create muppet-themed nicknames for me based on what colour shirt I am wearing, is really a pretty awesome person whom I quite like.

But I digress (as always). The staff party was for the clinic, and it was the first time that I finally got to meet Dr. Henry Morgentaler, who is, after all, my boss. Well, retired. But anyway, it was the culmination of almost four years of dedication to the pro-choice cause on my part, and of alternately praising the man and defending him to anti-choicers who think he is the worst thing to happen to Canada since...well, ever. I don't know exactly what Dr. Morgentaler means to me: certainly I know he is only human (I read "A Difficult Hero", I know what's up), but also I completely admire him not only for what he accomplished but also for his careful balance of humility and self-assurance. And then on top of that, he is my boss (sort of) and the brother-in-law of a good friend. It's a very complicated relationship to have with someone you have not met.

So, I met him. Which, in itself, was not a big deal. A handshake, exchange of names, a brief conversation about how long I had worked at the clinic and about New Brunswick. One minute of face time, maybe.

What was special for me about the evening (besides the fact that by the time we sat down to eat I was on my fourth drink and pretty much everything was special at that point), was Dr. Morgentaler's graciousness and the light he shone on his successors. He gave a brief speech only at the prompting of our CEO, and in it he expressed admiration and gratitude for the work that we were all doing. It made me think about accomplishment, and about being a hero like that. It's one thing to forge ahead and break barriers and be feted and thanked and congratulated all the time; perhaps a greater achievement is to see so many people find your work valuable enough to continue. How gratifying for him, to look out at a restaurant full of people totally dedicated to his goal: making abortion an accessible and comfortable experience for women in Canada.

So while it was lovely to finally meet Morgentaler the man, what I had really idealized and admired was more the Morgentaler spirit, which I had certainly already met in my pro-choice colleagues and friends, and continue to meet every day. The man has created a great legacy in this country. And even after a rough day at work, or dealing with the most unreasonable of patients, I will happily raise a glass to that.

Thanks Again, Henry

Henry Morgentaler has been selected as one of 25 "Transformational Canadians" by the Globe and Mail. I think it's very hard to argue that Dr. Morgentaler is a transformational figure in Canadian history, regardless of which side of the debate you fall on.

He certainly had a transformational effect on me, and I've never met the man, or had an abortion. I know I've told this story before, but it bears repeating. My father, while certainly progressive (at least, much more now that when I was younger), is also not what you would categorize as outwardly passionate. He argues, sure, but I don't remember seeing him get involved in a lot of heated discussions about his core values and beliefs. When Dr. Morgentaler was being given an honorary degree at UWO - before I identified as a feminist or had ever given abortion much thought - my dad said, very emphatically, that it was about damn time. He said Dr. Morgentaler had done more for women's rights in this country than any single other person, and that the man deserved an Order of Canada (which he later received!). Dad was so adamant, so passionate, that I immediately committed myself to finding out more about this Morgentaler fellow and what he was all about.

Thus began my path to activism. Not that I wouldn't have got here anyway, but it was certainly a helpful nudge. Dr. Morgentaler is a very human hero, but I think it makes him all the more endearing because he fought hard despite his flaws, and showed unwavering faith in the cause. He also overcame some enormous obstacles; most people would argue that being a Holocaust survivor makes someone hero enough.

Dr. Henry Morgentaler really did transform this country and I hope that we can stay true to his legacy.

Who Jesus Loves

I didn't blog last week. I don't even have an excuse, I've just been too hot. I've mostly been surviving on popsicles and the fact that the clinic is air-conditioned. I would sleep here if there were popsicles.

So I missed a classic opportunity to shamelessly self-promote, but here it is: go check out the piece I wrote for Feminists For Choice.

Also, while I'm dishing out the news, I hope you've all seen this. It seems the province of New Brunswick, in perhaps the only good decision they've ever made about anything, are not going to appeal the decision to give Dr. Morgentaler standing to sue. So, on to the trial (at some point). Discuss.

Clinic the last two weeks has been as interesting as ever. This week one of the protesters was taking pictures of the escorts, so look for some familiar faces on the cover of Evil Baby-Killers Monthly. Last week Lady in Red asked a couple escorts if they had ever seen pictures of "aborted babies" on the internet. To which EN replied that yes, they sure do have a lot of crazy things on that internet.

This week there was a lot of reassuring us that Jesus loves us. One of them told TO this as she was leaving, to which she replied that yes, she knew, being a Catholic. Well, you know that confuses them. When they tried to tell AD that Jesus loves her, she replied with what they described as an "evil cackle". Excellent. I seem to be the only one Jesus doesn't love, however. As I was unlocking my bike to leave, I heard Monochrome tell a departing couple that Jesus loved them. But when I rode by her (slowly) a couple seconds later, she just glared. I guess the big guy in the sky finally gave up on me, which is kind of a relief.

It's that time of year when things switch over - I have a couple escorts leaving, a couple returning. I guess I should enjoy this horrific, sweltering weather while I can, since soon it will be time to start complaining about the cold again.

A Short One

Yesterday's clinic started out wonderfully; the protesters were not there for the majority of the morning, and the change in atmosphere was palpable. No one came in crying, everyone was a lot less tense, which makes the staff less tense, which makes everything pretty awesome.

Of course, they did show up eventually. Pink Hat was no longer wearing her pink hat! It wasn't a particularly warm day so I can't imagine why she didn't feel the need to wear it. What a pity.

Meanwhile, I'm going in today to meet with a woman from the CBC who wants to talk to me about my morning after pill project. Speaking of media, I wonder if you caught me on the radio talking about the Morgentaler appeal decision? If not, you can read the article here.

The email campaign asking Mike Murphy to resign is going very well; lots of people have contacted him. Now it's all just a waiting game to see if the province decides to go to the Supreme Court. Things are brewing though; the next few months are going to be exciting (I hope!).

Spring Shenanigans

So, there was no clinic this week, which is kind of a good thing because I have lots of other stuff to talk about.

First of all, I went to check out the March for Life at the provincial legislature on Thursday. What a good time! It was smaller than last year, and as always I found it thoroughly amusing/terrifying that most of the attendees were either male, or below or above reproductive age. I really want these people deciding what goes on in my uterus.

I was joined by some pro-choice friends, and we skulked around in the background, listening to the speeches. There were some pro-choice people who looked to be high school age, who showed up with signs and engaged some of the lifers in debate. Of course the media was quick to come over to them, so I hope they were able to hold their own. I briefly considered giving a comment but as soon as I heard they were debating, I decided to stay out of it. I'm trying not to get drawn into pointless arguments any more, on the internet and certainly in real life (especially when representing the clinic or ARCC!).

We followed the march back to Brunswick Street, where they went behind their building to pray and carry on for a bit. They didn't stay too long, though, as their reception was being held this year in the brand new Knights of Columbus hall. I bet they had really delicious cookies.

One of the people who spoke at the March for Life was our horrible Minister of Health, Mike Murphy. Afterwards he (foolishly) commented to the media that he is "not entirely" comfortable enforcing laws and policies on abortion, because of his pro-life beliefs. Surprise! If you can't do your job without letting your personal beliefs interfere...RESIGN!

So ARCC and the NB Rebelles are calling for Mr. Murphy's resignation. You can read the ARCC press release, and then email Murphy at MichaelB.Murphy@gnb.ca and ask him to step down. If you'd like a sample email to send, I have one all written, so just drop me a line at pedgehog@gmail.com. If you would rather call his office, the number is (506) 457-4800.

And finally, some good news! The NB Court of Appeal has FINALLY said no to the province, and Dr. Morgentaler has been granted standing to bring his suit. So....maybe a trial is in the future? This is really, really good news as it's been a long and difficult struggle to get this far. There are so many exciting possibilities from here.

That's all the news right now...

A Case of Pedge

So yesterday's clinic was a trial run for my new three-shift system for the volunteers. It's just for the cold weather; instead of two shifts lasting an hour and a half each, I've divided it into three one-hour shifts. It means I need more escorts to be available each week, but it also means they don't have to stand out there for as long. And a half hour in the cold makes a big difference.

It seemed to work out, although three quarters of my early shift didn't show up so EO was there alone. Which definitely sucks. Unexplained absences come with the territory when coordinating volunteers, and I don't really get too hung up on it because it can happen to anyone. For the most part, the work they do is too valuable to make it really frustrating when they occasionally slip up.

I went with a couple colleagues to see the appeal yesterday - when the court granted Dr. Morgentaler standing last August to sue the province, the province appealed, so yesterday was the hearing. Or whatever you call it, I'm not that up on my law terms. It was actually streamed live on to the internet by the CBC (you can read more about that here), so that was kind of cool.

I could only stay for the first half of the hearing because I had to get to my other job, but as we were leaving during the lunch break, some journalists stopped us and asked for interviews. I'm not sure how they surmised that we were from the clinic (and ARCC), unless they recognized JB's face (or mine, I suppose). Regardless, I got to do a fun media-scrum-on-the-courthouse-steps interview, and CTV and Global both used my comments on the local news last night. There was also an article in CanWest, which you can read here.

The news (I can't remember which one) said that they would rule on it within a month, which would be awesome. I didn't get to see Henry's lawyer in action this time but I'm fairly confident that he'll be awarded standing. And then the trial....well it should be interesting, if we ever get to it. The wheels of justice turn pretty slowly.

Back to it, once again

Hi, friends.

I know I've been AWOL for a while. It's been a CRAZY month. Crazy.

First of all, we had to rearrange our clinic days for various reasons. So while we did have a couple ordinary Tuesday clinics, we also had a Friday clinic, a Monday clinic, and last week we didn't have clinic at all. So the good thing is that it's confused the protesters, but it has been playing havoc with everyone else's schedule as well.

Personally, I have been extremely busy this month. I spoke at the Take Back the Night March on the 19th, which was a wonderful experience. From that I've had a couple people contact me to start volunteering, so that's awesome. This past weekend I spoke on a panel about restricting access to rights at the New Brunswick Social Forum - so cool. I got to be on the panel with Andrea Bear Nicholas who is my new hero of life.

Also last weekend a guy I used to work with passed away, so there was that to deal with. And as always, work is afoot on the Toujours Rebelles conference that we are leaving for in NINE DAYS, holy crap. That is taking up a lot of my time and energy. I think it will be worth it.

Oh, and I also joined a group of feminists who are putting together a radio show on CHSR on Monday nights - more on that later.

SO. That is why you haven't seen me. But I am still here, fear not. Yesterday I got to be outside with the escorts for a change, which was cool. I had three new escorts to train (hooray!), and they got to see some of the best protesters, including Crazy Legs. Sadly, Glare-y Mary didn't put in an appearance.

Not much other news at the clinic. Dr. Morgentaler was granted standing in his lawsuit against the province, but the province is appealing the decision....which makes me pretty much want to stab myself in the face. The life tape people have split the Bound4Life New Brunswick group into a Saint John group and a Fredericton group...not sure how/if that will affect us at all, I guess we'll just wait and see. Oh, and it's about that time of year again: the "life chain" will probably be happening this weekend, so if you don't get enough ridiculousness in your everyday life, be sure to come out and see it.

I guess that's all I really have to say. For some awesome feminist analysis (and some larfs), check us out on Ovary Acting (This is What a Feminist Sounds Like) on CHSR (97.9FM), Monday nights at 9:30pm.

Tit Thrusting and Steps Forward

This week at clinic, I was sitting at the front desk doing nothing in particular when MP came in and informed me that Mr. Mumbles was tit thrusting LS. I went outside to have a look, but he had stopped.

Apparently he kept shuffling up to LS and sort of mushing himself against her. She wasn't very happy about it. I told her if he did again, to let us know so we could call the police - or at the very least warn him that he was assaulting her. The escorts then proceeded to spend some time discussing what exactly is wrong with Mr. Mumbles. I won't speculate here, for fear of being mean/sued for libel, but I have some ideas.

Another interesting bump in our Tuesday was a couple who showed up with two small children in tow. This happens more often than you might think. Unfortunately, we just can't allow children in the waiting room because not only is it potentially disruptive, it makes already vulnerable women very, very uncomfortable.

The couple were very understanding (people usually are), and a couple of our escorts had the pleasure of playing with the kids. They were very sweet and well-behaved. Oh my goodness they were adorable. They definitely brightened my day, and I didn't even get to play with them.

So the step forward I am referring to in the title of this post is some fantastic news we received last week - Henry has standing!! In case you have no idea what I am talking about, last May Henry Morgentaler had a hearing to determine whether he has standing to bring forward a case against New Brunswick (trying to make them cover abortions under Medicare). Well, after almost a year and a half of waiting, the judge finally made a decision in Henry's favour. So that means the case can go forward!! It's going to be a long process, but this first step forward is definitely fantastic news.

Other good news - yesterday I was interviewed for a piece about abortion access in Canada for section15.ca. It might turn into a series!! It's going to include input from some other fantastic young activists, as well. I will keep you posted!!

The Order, the Madness

So it has been madness, just madness. This Order of Canada stuff is getting blown way out of proportion, as a small but vocal majority are shrieking their lungs out to have it revoked. I've done interviews for CTV, Global and CBC. It's worth noting that Global was the only one that got my name right.

Clinic this week was much like last week - the protesters didn't show up until later, and when they did, it was just a few of them. The glariest of them though. What fun they all must be in their personal lives.

Speaking of the protesters, I think the highlight of my week was seeing Peter Ryan on Global saying that Henry Morgentaler makes Paul Bernardo look like a saint. I mean, really. I sincerely hope none of the family members of Bernardo's victims saw that, because if I were in their shoes I would be...well, writing a strongly worded letter, at the very least. Can you imagine?

The anti-choicers are so weird. They paint this picture of Henry as this totally amoral, money-grubbing doctor who just loves to kill babies and then roll around in his money. I know I've been through this before, but it baffles and enrages me. And I hate to say it, but I think it's a bit anti-Semitic. I know that's a heavy accusation to throw around, and I don't mean it about any one person, really. I just think it's kind of embedded in our cultural psyche, this image of the rich Jewish doctor with no scruples, and I think it's easy for the anti-choicers to latch on to it and stick it to Henry, who they hate anyway. Him being Jewish makes it easier to dehumanize him. I know I'm going to be hearing about this.

I am so tired. I had one of those extremely stressful weeks where your whole world starts to revolve around the things you have to get done, and then something huge comes along to snap you out of it. For me it was kind of two huge things - first, a guy I graduated from high school with died in Afghanistan. Then, my sister broke her leg. So it's been nuts. I'm going away to a friend's wedding this weekend and on the one hand, I welcome the break, but on the other hand I think I would rather be here...looking after things. My life. Whatever, it could always be worse.

Sorry this blog is a bit personal. I will leave you with another little story from the clinic. I was working at reception and one of the patients came up with her completed forms and asked me if there were needles, because she was afraid of needles. I could sympathize, not being a big fan of needles myself. So I said well, there's just one, but you won't even see it. It goes in your cervix. Her eyes got so wide and she said "in my WHAT??". Hahaha. Ok maybe you had to be there.

Anyway rock on peeps. I will hopefully be feeling a lot more bubbly when I get home.

Best Canada Day EVER!

Well things have been crazy on the blog (see the gazillion comments on my last post), but whatever. I am so, so excited!! Guess why!!

There was no clinic yesterday, because it was Canada Day. I hope that you all raised your glasses not just to our country's birthday, but to the great Dr. Henry Morgentaler's long overdue appointment to the Order of Canada. I cannot think of a more deserving recepient of Canada's highest civilian honour.

Long live Henry, and thank you for everything you've done for choice!!