Precedent-setting abortion doctor honored

TORONTO, July 2 (UPI) -- The controversial Canadian doctor credited with abolishing Canada's anti-abortion laws in 1988 expressed thanks in Toronto Wednesday for a national honor.

Dr. Henry Morgentaler spoke with reporters after being named to the Order of Canada, and said he was surprised by the nomination to Canada's most prestigious civilian order.

"I'm actually surprised that the reaction is not more violent than it is," the 85-year-old Morgentaler said. "There are many groups, especially on the fundamentalist side and the Catholic right, who are adamantly opposed to the rights of women to have abortions, especially safe abortions."

The governor-general's office announced his appointment and others Tuesday, on the country's 141st birthday, the Globe and Mail newspaper said.

Morgentaler's battle to legalize abortion led the Supreme Court of Canada to strike down the country's anti-abortion law in 1988.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government issued a statement on the honor that rekindled debate on abortion, the newspaper said.

"The Conservative government is not involved in either deliberations or decisions with respect to which individuals are appointed to the Order of Canada," the statement said.