Abortion

This button with the picture of a coat hanger and the slogan "Never again! Plus jamais!" calls for an end to back alley abortions through legalization.

This subsection contains material on the decades-long fight for legal, free, safe, and accessible abortions. It also includes critiques by women of colour, immigrant women, and disabled women on the mainstream feminist framing of reproductive rights.

Archival Materials

Buttons

The button challenges the anti-abortion focus on the foetus and the lack of importance given to women's lives within the anti-abortion movement.
A Woman’s Life is a Human Life

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
This undated button calls for the repeal of all abortion laws in Canada to ensure a woman's right to control her life.
A woman’s right to control her life: Repeal All Abortion Laws

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
This is a button asserting a woman's personal right to decide about abortion
Abortion is a Personal Decision

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
A button expressing support for a woman's right to choose abortion.
Abortion is a Woman’s Choice

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
The button distributed by the CARAL supported a woman's right to choose.
C.A.R.A.L. – Freedom of Choice on Abortion

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Button distributed by the Ontario Coalition for Abortion Clinics to show support for the legalization of free-standing abortion clinics.
Choice: Legalize Free-Standing Abortion Clinics

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Choice: No New Abortion Law

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Button created by the Ontario Coalition for Abortion Clinics
Co-conspirators for Choice

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Don't Lose the Right to Choose, October 14, 1989
Don’t Lose the Right to Choose

  • Year created:

    1989

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
This undated button calls for the repeal of abortion laws so that every mother is a willing mother and every child a wanted child.
Every Mother a Willing Mother; Every Child a Wanted Child – Repeal anti-abortion laws

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
This button supports the right of a woman to make choices about birth control and abortion, and to control whether and when she becomes a mother.
Motherhood by Choice Not Chance

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
This button with the picture of a coat hanger and the slogan "Never again! Plus jamais!" calls for an end to back alley abortions through legalization.
Never Again! Plus Jamais!

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English and French
Button in opposition to passing in a new abortion law following the 1988 Supreme Court decision in the Morgentaler case that Canada's abortion law was unconstitutional.
No New Abortion Law – Choice

  • Year created:

    1988

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
After the Supreme Court of Canada struck down Canada's abortion law in 1988, the choice movement pushed for no new laws and instead worked on broadening access to abortion.
No New Abortion Law – Choice, Choice, Choice

  • Year created:

    1988

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Campaigns for abortion rights in Canada focused on repealing the laws which criminalized and limited access to abortioA key demand in the campaigns for abortion rights in Canada called for repealing laws which criminalized and limited access.
Repeal Abortion Laws

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
The button urges people to speak up and show their support for choice on abortion.
Speak Out for Choice on Abortion

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
The button shows the phoenix of the bookstore rising from the ashes after the 1983 firebombing of the Morgentaler abortion clinic. The Toronto Women's Bookstore was in the same building and was severely damaged by the attack.
Toronto Women’s Bookstore: Rebuilding with Your Help

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English

Documents
Abortion – Stories from North and South

  • Year created:

    1984

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
thumbnail of Abortion Caravan Demands and Brief (May 1970)
Abortion Caravan Demands and Brief (May 1970)

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Abortion Caravan Scrapbook: Labouring Under a Mis-Conception; Legalize all Abortion Now!

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Abortion in Law and History Pamphlet – CARAL Bulletin 3

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
thumbnail of Abortion is Our Right Pamphlet- Women’s Liberation Movement Toronto (1970)
Abortion is Our Right Pamphlet- Women’s Liberation Movement Toronto (1970)

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Abortion Laws are Killing People

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Author(s):

    Jeannine Mitchell

  • Region:

    British Columbia

  • Language:

    English
Abortion Rights is a Union Issue!

  • Year created:

    1989

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Abortion Tribunal to Defend Dr. Morgentaler – Toronto Committee to Defend Dr. Morgentaler Letter

  • Year created:

    1974

  • Author(s):

    Anna Cushman

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Abortion: A Human Right for Women

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    British Columbia

  • Language:

    English
Answers to Anti-Choice Arguments

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Bill C-43: Abortion Act Opinion

  • Year created:

    1990

  • Author(s):

    Suzanne P. Boivin

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Bill C-43: Abortion Act Opinion

  • Year created:

    1990

  • Author(s):

    Suzanne P. Boivin

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
CACSW Finds Federal Abortion Legislation Unconstitutional and Urges Government To Withdraw It Immediately

  • Year created:

    1990

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) News Extra – Fall 1986

  • Year created:

    1986

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) News Extra – July 1986

  • Year created:

    1986

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
thumbnail of Canadian Women’s Coalition to Repeal the Abortion Law Brief (1972)
Canadian Women’s Coalition to Repeal the Abortion Law Brief (1972)

  • Year created:

    1972

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
CARAL – Freedom of Choice Pamphlet

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
CARAL – Fundraising Letter to Supporters

  • Year created:

    1987

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
CARAL – Parliamentary Brief on the Constitution

  • Year created:

    1980

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
CARAL 6th Annual Meeting – Letter

  • Year created:

    1980

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
CARAL 9th Annual Meeting – Agenda

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
CARAL Founding Meeting: Press Release

  • Year created:

    1974

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
CARAL Interim Constitution & By-laws (September 1974)

  • Year created:

    1974

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Choice Under Attack – OCAC Flyer

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
thumbnail of Chronology of Court Cases on Abortion
Chronology of Court Cases on Abortion

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Communiqué: CACSW Finds Federal Abortion Legislation Unconstitutional (Press Release)

  • Year created:

    1989

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Critical Actions

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Cross Canada Conference for Abortion Law Repeal

  • Year created:

    1973

  • Author(s):

    Grace MacInnis, Eleanor Wright Pelrine, Doris Anderson , Lorna Grant

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Current Status of Abortion in Canada (The History of the Issue)

  • Year created:

    1975

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Day of Action on Abortion Flyer

  • Year created:

    1989

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Dr. Morgentaler Press Release

  • Year created:

    1974

  • Author(s):

    Dr. Henry Morgentaler

  • Region:

    Quebec

  • Language:

    English
Dr. Morgentaler Statement to the May 4th Demonstration (1974)

  • Year created:

    1974

  • Author(s):

    Henry Morgentaler

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Endorsement List for the Legalization of Free-Standing Abortion Clinics

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Facts on Abortion

  • Year created:

    1985

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Free Dr. Morgentaler!

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Freedom of Choice

  • Year created:

    1979

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Freedom of Choice – Still Fighting

  • Year created:

    1991

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Freedom of Choice Action Week Flyers

  • Year created:

    1981

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Guide for a Study Program on Abortion

  • Year created:

    1972

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Guiding Principles of Reproductive Health Care – OCAC Flyer

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Immigrant Women’s Health Centre: Abortion and Immigrant Women

  • Year created:

    1977

  • Author(s):

    Erica Mercer

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Information for Teens about Abortion

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
thumbnail of Keep Abortion Legal – NAC Flyer (1989)
Issues & Campaigns (1989): Keep Abortion Legal

  • Year created:

    1989

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
John Turner’s Reply to Vancouver Women’s Caucus March 19th Letter

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Judy Vashti Persad, Women Working With Immigrant Women – Speech

  • Year created:

    1988

  • Author(s):

    Judy Vashti Persad

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Judy Vashti Persad, Women Working With Immigrant Women – Speech

  • Year created:

    1988

  • Author(s):

    Judy Vashti Persad

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Legalize Free Standing Abortion Clinics

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Legalize Free-Standing Abortion Clinics

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Region:

    British Columbia

  • Language:

    English
Letter on Abortion and the Nova Scotia Task Force on Status of Women

  • Year created:

    1976

  • Author(s):

    Terry Roane

  • Region:

    Nova Scotia

  • Language:

    English
Letter to B.C. Attorney General and Minister of Health Services – March 10, 1970

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    British Columbia

  • Language:

    English
Letter to Trudeau Government on Abortion

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Marching for Women’s Lives – OCAC Flyer (1987)

  • Year created:

    1987

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
thumbnail of May 28th Coalition Flyer for March & Rally (1977)
May 28th Coalition Flyer for March & Rally (1977)

  • Year created:

    1977

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
No New Abortion Law

  • Year created:

    1990

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
OCAC Discussion Notes – May 11, 1983

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Policy Recommendations on the Abortion Issue

  • Year created:

    1978

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
President’s Statement on Abortion

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
President’s Statement on Abortion

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Author(s):

    Lucie Pépin

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
thumbnail of Public Meeting on Abortion and Women’s Liberation (1983)
Public Meeting on Abortion and Women’s Liberation (1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Report on Access to Abortion Services in Ontario

  • Year created:

    1992

  • Author(s):

    Jim Beresford, MD, Catherine Brown, Filomena Carvalho, Nikki Colodny, Carolyn Egan, Wyn Kalagian, John Lamont, MD, Janet McLeod, MD, Susie Perry, Marion Powell, MD, Norma Scarborough

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Reproductive Rights – A Statement of Principle

  • Year created:

    1979

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Reproductive Rights: Responses to Common Misunderstandings

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Second Cross Canada Conference for Abortion Law Repeal

  • Year created:

    1973

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
thumbnail of Stand Up for Choice on Abortion- OCAC Pamphlet (1985)
Stand Up for Choice on Abortion – OCAC Pamphlet (1985)

  • Year created:

    1985

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
The Issue is Choice

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
The Issue is Choice – OCAC Leaflet (1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
thumbnail of The issue is choice – OCAC Pamphlet (1984)
The issue is choice – OCAC Pamphlet (1984)

  • Year created:

    1984

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
The Politics and Law of Abortion Flyer

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
The Time to Fight is Now

  • Year created:

    1989

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
True Contraceptions: Stories for Men

  • Year created:

    1989

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Vancouver Women’s Caucus Letter – Abortion Strategy

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    British Columbia

  • Language:

    listing_language_english
Vancouver Women’s Caucus Letter to Prime Minister Trudeau

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    British Columbia

  • Language:

    listing_language_english
Women of Colour and Immigrant Women Say No To New Abortion Law

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
thumbnail of Women’s Right to Choose Protest (1979)
Women’s Right to Choose Protest (1979)

  • Year created:

    1979

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English

Films

Still from the film "A Mother and Daughter on Abortion" featuring two white women, one older and one younger, with short brown hair talking at a picnic table outdoors.
A Mother and Daughter on Abortion

  • Year created:

    1987

  • Filmmaker(s):

    Gail Singer

  • Language:

    English

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)
Black and white image of two women. The women on the right has her left hand resting on the left shoulder of the women on the right side.
Abortion: Stories from North and South

  • Year created:

    1984

  • Filmmaker(s):

    Gail Singer

  • Language:

    English

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)
Still from the film "Democracy on Trial" featuring a black and white headshot of Henry Morgentaler, a middle aged white man with a beard and glasses.
Democracy on Trial: The Morgentaler Affair

  • Year created:

    1984

  • Filmmaker(s):

    Paul Cowan

  • Language:

    English

  • Region:

    Quebec
Leaders debate women’s issues in 1984

  • Year created:

    1984

  • Filmmaker(s):

    Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

  • Language:

    English and French

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)
Black and white archival image of white women protestors on the steps of the Art Gallery in Vancouver holding various pro-choice banners.
Vancouver Women’s Caucus March: Abortion Is Our Right, 1970

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Filmmaker(s):

    Rhoda Rosenfeld

  • Language:

    English

  • Region:

    British Columbia
Still from "Women in Struggle" featuring blurry archival footage of women holding a banner that says "Women for Abortion Law Repeal."
Women in Struggle

  • Year created:

    1971

  • Filmmaker(s):

    Ananda Productions

  • Language:

    English

  • Region:

    Ontario

Periodicals

Canadian Abortion Rights Action League Newsletter

Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) Newsletter – Fall 1982

  • Year created:

    1982

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) / Canadienne pour le droit a l'avortement (ACDA)

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) Newsletter – Fall 1983

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) / Canadienne pour le droit a l'avortement (ACDA)

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English and French
Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) Newsletter – June 1981

  • Year created:

    1981

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) / Canadienne pour le droit a l'avortement (ACDA)

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) Newsletter – Summer 1982

  • Year created:

    1982

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) / Canadienne pour le droit a l'avortement (ACDA)

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) Newsletter – Summer 1983

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) / Canadienne pour le droit a l'avortement (ACDA)

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English and French
Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) Newsletter – Winter 1982

  • Year created:

    1982

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) / Canadienne pour le droit a l'avortement (ACDA)

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) Newsletter – Winter 1983

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) / Canadienne pour le droit a l'avortement (ACDA)

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) Newsletter – Fall 1984

  • Year created:

    1984

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Abortion Rights Action League (CARAL) / Canadienne pour le droit a l'avortement (ACDA)

  • Language:

    English
Canadian Abortion Rights Action League Newsletter – Spring 1985

  • Year created:

    1985

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Abortion Rights Action League

  • Author(s):

    Norma Scarborough

  • Language:

    English
Canadian Association for the Repeal of the Abortion Law Newsletter – April 1979

  • Year created:

    1979

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Association for the Repeal of the Abortion Law

  • Language:

    English
Canadian Association for the Repeal of the Abortion Law Newsletter – January 1979

  • Year created:

    1979

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Association for Repeal of the Abortion Law

  • Author(s):

    Merike Madisso

  • Language:

    English
Canadian Association for the Repeal of the Abortion Law Newsletter – January 1981

  • Year created:

    1981

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Association for the Repeal of the Abortion Law

  • Author(s):

    Karen Hammond

  • Language:

    English
Canadian Association for the Repeal of the Abortion Law Newsletter – July 1979

  • Year created:

    1979

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Association for the Repeal of the Abortion Law

  • Language:

    English

Concerned Citizens for Choice on Abortion (CCCA) Newsletter

Concerned Citizens for Choice on Abortion (CCCA) Newsletter – Number 1 – December 1981

  • Year created:

    1981

  • Publisher:

    Concerned Citizens for Choice on Abortion

  • Region:

    British Columbia

  • Language:

    English

Pro-Choice News

Pro-Choice News – Spring 1988

  • Year created:

    1988

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Abortion Rights Action League

  • Author(s):

    Norma Scarborough

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Pro-Choice News – Summer 1985

  • Year created:

    1985

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Abortion Rights Action League

  • Author(s):

    Norma Scarborough

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Pro-Choice News – Summer 1987

  • Year created:

    1987

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Abortion Rights Action League

  • Author(s):

    Norma Scarborough, Ellen Goodman, Robin Rowe

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Pro-Choice News – Winter 1985

  • Year created:

    1985

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Abortion Rights Action League

  • Author(s):

    Norma Scarborough, Garry Trudeau, Penny Kome

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Pro-Choice News – Winter 1987

  • Year created:

    1987

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Abortion Rights Action League

  • Author(s):

    Norma Scarborough, Lasha Morningstar, Libby Scheier, June Callwood

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)

  • Language:

    English
Pro-Choice News – Spring 1998

  • Year created:

    1998

  • Publisher:

    Canadian Abortion Rights Action League

  • Author(s):

    Ann Decter (Editor), Norma Scarborough

  • Language:

    English

The Womanist

thumbnail of The Womanist – Vol. 2, Issue 1 – Fall 1989
The Womanist – Vol. 2, Issue 1 – Fall 1989

  • Year created:

    1989

  • Publisher:

    Catalyst Research and Communications

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English

Photos

Vancouver women lead the Ottawa march down Wellington Street with a banner proclaiming "Abortion is Our Right". Gwen Hauser is on the right in the picture.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Leading the Ottawa March

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)
Women hug each other after their release following the protest on May 11 1970 in the House of Commons. The women gained entrance to the galleries where they disrupted the proceedings of the House and forced an adjournment. A number of women also chained themselves to the gallery seats. Facing front are Dawn Carrell and Alma Marks.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – After Release from House of Commons Protest

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Errol Young

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)
Local United and Unitarian churches often billeted the Abortion Caravan members as they travelled across the country. This photo shows the women getting ready for bed at one of these billets along the route.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – At Their Billet

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Charlotte Bedard

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)
Bonnie Beckwoman was an original member of the Abortion Caravan.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Bonnie Beckwoman

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    British Columbia
During the May 11th protest on Parliament Hill, Margo Dunn speaks to the media and supporters before Section 237 of the Criminal Code is symbolically burned. Sandra Conway is holding the "law".
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Burning the Law

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Errol Young

  • Region:

    Ontario
A school bus arrives from Montreal for the Ottawa demonstration on May 9th. The corner of the Abortion Caravan van can be seen on the right.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Bus from Montreal

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Charlotte Bedard

  • Region:

    Ontario
This photo of the Abortion Caravan during stop in Calgary features Cathy Walker standing in the door of the van, with Charlotte Bedard's truck and camper in the background.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Calgary

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    Alberta
Cathy Walker was one of the original members of the Abortion Caravan in 1970.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Cathy Walker

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    British Columbia
Protestors in headscarves circle the Centennial Flame on Parliament Hill during the outside protest on May 11th 1970. Inside protestors managed to disrupt the proceedings of the House of Commons and force an adjournment.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Circling the Centennial Flame

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Charlotte Bedard

  • Region:

    Ontario
Colette Malo was one of the original members of the Abortion Caravan in 1970.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Colette Malo

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    British Columbia
Supporters gather in Vancouver as the Abortion Caravan heads off for Ottawa towards the end of April 1970. The Caravan vehicles with slogans painted along the sides are, front to back, Cathy Walker’s Volkswagen van, Betsy Wood’s (Meadley) convertible, and Charlotte Bedard’s truck.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Heading Off From Vancouver

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Charlotte Bedard

  • Region:

    British Columbia
This photo of Jackie Larkin with the sign "This Uterus is not Government Property" was taken during the Abortion Caravan which travelled across Canada from Vancouver to Ottawa in 1970.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Jackie Larkin

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)
Kingston women march as part of the May 9th demonstration in Ottawa. The event was organized to mark the arrival of the Abortion Caravan as it completed its cross-country trek.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Kingston Women

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Charlotte Bedard

  • Region:

    Ontario
The sign "Abortion is Our Right" is prominent in this photo showing a long stretch of the May 9th Ottawa march organized to coincide with the arrival of the Abortion Caravan as it completed its cross-country trip to raise awareness of the issue.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – March in Ottawa

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Charlotte Bedard

  • Region:

    Ontario
This is a pre-Caravan photo of Margaret Mahood, a Saskatoon doctor and psychiatrist, who participated in the Abortion Caravan.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Margaret Mahood

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    Saskatchewan
Margie Taylor was a Thunder Bay supporter of the 1970 Abortion Caravan.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Margie Taylor

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    Ontario
The May 8th Vancouver Demonstration took place in solidarity with the Abortion Caravan and the protests in Ottawa. Anne Roberts and Jean Rands, dressed in men's suits, represent John Munro, Federal Minister of Health, and Ralph Loffmark, B.C. Minister of Health.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – May 8 Demonstration in Vancouver

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    British Columbia
This group of women participated in the May 9th march for abortion rights in Ottawa. The march was organized to coincide with the arrival of he Abortion Caravan and drew supporters from around the country.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – May 9th Ottawa March

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Charlotte Bedard

  • Region:

    Ontario
Members of the Abortion Caravan prepare for a Guerrilla Theatre skit during a stop on the Prairies.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Members Prepare for Guerrilla Theatre

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Charlotte Bedard

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)
Montreal Women's Liberation marches as part of the May 9th demonstration for abortion rights that was held in Ottawa as the Abortion Caravan completed its trip from Vancouver.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Montreal Women’s Liberation

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Charlotte Bedard

  • Region:

    Ontario
During a stop en route to Ottawa, members of the Abortion Caravan raise their fists for a photo alongside Betsy Wood's convertible with the slogan "Smash Capitalism" painted on the side panel.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – On to Ottawa

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)
This is a view of the Abortion Caravan demonstration organized in Ottawa as the Caravan arrived from Vancouver. Marchers are wearing a sign around their waists saying, "This Uterus is Not Government Property".
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Ottawa March in Progress

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Charlotte Bedard

  • Region:

    Ontario
Pat Davitt was a member of the Vancouver Women's Caucus which organized a campaign for abortion rights in the spring of 1970 and initiated the Abortion Caravan.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Pat Davitt

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Anne Roberts

  • Region:

    British Columbia
Photo of theA planning meeting was held at the Percy Street School where the "invasion" of the House of Commons galleries that took place on Monday, May 11th, was planned, along with a second "decoy" demonstration outside. Among those present are Jackie Larkin, Pat Alexamnder, Krista Maeots, and Melodie Mayson.planning meeting held at the Percy Street School where the "invasion" of the House of Commons galleries that took place on Monday May 11th was planned along with a second "decoy" demonstration outside. Among those present are Jackie Larkin, Pat Alexamnder, Krista Maeots, and Melodie Mayson.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Planning Meeting

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Jackie Larkin

  • Region:

    Ontario
Following the May 9th Ottawa March and the refusal by government leaders to meet with members of the Abortion Caravan, a planning meeting took place at the Percy Street School in Ottawa where women were billeted. The decision was made to organize a protest in the House of Commons galleries on May 11th while another march took place outside. Among those at the meeting are Jackie Larkin, Pat Alexander, Krista Maeots, and Melodie Mayson.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Planning Meeting at Ottawa School

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Jackie Larkin

  • Region:

    Ontario
Protesters wearing headscarves climb stairs at the Parliament Building carrying a coffin during the outside protest on May 11th. Charlotte Bedard is the first pallbearer on the right.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Protesters with Coffin

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Errol Young

  • Region:

    Ontario
Women stand with fists raised in at a demonstration outside the Parliament Buildings on May 11, 1970, as protesters in the House of Commons galleries disrupt the sitting.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Raised Fist Salute!

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Charlotte Bedard

  • Region:

    Ontario
Women wearing headscarves and with raised fists gather on Parliament Hill during a May 11, 1970 protest for abortion rights. Inside the House of Commons, another group of women speaking from the galleries interrupted the session, forcing an adjournment until after they were removed.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Raised Fists in Protest on Parliament Hill

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Errol Young

  • Region:

    Ontario
This photo taken was during a gas stop near Hope, British Columbia during Abortion Caravan's trip across Canada. Betsy Wood is on the left side of her convertible with an "On to Ottawa" sign fastened on the front. On the right side, from left to right: Dodie Weppler, Ellen Woodsworth, Gwen Hauser, and Bonnie Beckwoman.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Stop in Hope, B.C.

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Charlotte Bedard

  • Region:

    British Columbia
Women join hands in solidarity at an Abortion Caravan event during a stop en route to Ottawa.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – The Women are Coming

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)
A solidarity rally outside what is now the Eaton's Centre was organized on May 7, 1970, during the Toronto stop of the Abortion Caravan.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Toronto Rally

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Photographer:

    Charlotte Bedard

  • Region:

    Ontario
This is a photo of Anne Roberts dressed in a man's suit for the Vancouver May 8th March organized in solidarity with the Abortion Caravan and the Ottawa March. Anne and Jean Rands appeared as Health Ministers John Munro and Ralph Loffmark.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Vancouver Solidarity March

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    British Columbia
This a photo of Cathy Walker's van as the Abortion Caravan crosses the Prairies on the way from Vancouver to Ottawa in April-May 1970.
Abortion Caravan (1970) – Volkswagen Van

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    Alberta
This is an unidentified photo of a pro-choice protest.
Abortion Rights Protest

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)
Members of the Trotskyist League participate in a1983 Toronto rally in support of Dr. Morgentaler and the legalization of abortion clinics.
Abortion Rights Rally outside Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto (1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Photographer:

    Judy Blankenship

  • Region:

    Ontario
Anne McClard is featured in this photo taken at a 1983 abortion rights rally outside Dr. Henry Morgentaler's clinic in Toronto. The rally was organized in support of Dr. Morgentaler and legalizing free-standing abortion clinics.
Abortion Rights Rally outside Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto (1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Photographer:

    Judy Blankenship

  • Region:

    Ontario
This 1983 pro-choice rally was one of many held outside Dr. Henry Morgentaler's clininc in Toronto. It was organized in support of Dr. Morgentaler and legalizing free-standing abortion clinics.
Abortion Rights Rally outside Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto (1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Photographer:

    Judy Blankenship

  • Region:

    Ontario
This photo of Beth McAuley and others is from an 1983 abortion rights rally organized in support of Dr. Henry Morgentaler and legalizing free-standing abortion clinics. It was held outside Dr. Morgentaler's clinic on Harbord Street in Toronto.
Abortion Rights Rally outside Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto (1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Photographer:

    Judy Blankenship

  • Region:

    Ontario
This is a photo of Diana Meredith taken at the 1983 abortion rights rally held outside the Morgentaler clinic in Toronto. Behind Diana are Joe Flexer and Frank Rooney.
Abortion Rights Rally outside Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto (1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Photographer:

    Judy Blankenship

  • Region:

    Ontario
Pro-choice supporters rally outside Dr. Henry Morgentaler's clinic in Toronto. This 1983 protest was organized in support of Dr. Morgentaler and legalizing free-standing abortion clinics.
Abortion Rights Rally outside Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto (1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Photographer:

    Judy Blankenship

  • Region:

    Ontario
Judy Rebick stands in front of a Legalize Abortion Clinics banner holding a megaphone at a Toronto support rally outside the Morgentaler Clinic in 1983.
Abortion Rights Rally outside Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto (1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Photographer:

    Judy Blankenship

  • Region:

    Ontario
Anti-choice protester confronts participants at support rally outside the Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto. Marianna Valverde is on the left.
Abortion Rights Rally outside Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto (1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Photographer:

    Judy Blankenship

  • Region:

    Ontario
Placard at 1983 support rally outside the Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto shows a coat hanger and reads, "Never Again".
Abortion Rights Rally outside Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto (1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Photographer:

    Judy Blankenship

  • Region:

    Ontario
Protesters at rally outside Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto hold banner calling for the legalization of abortion clinics.
Abortion Rights Rally outside Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto (1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Photographer:

    Judy Blankenship

  • Region:

    Ontario
Photo taken outside Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto during rally to support abortion rights.
Abortion Rights Rally outside Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto (1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Photographer:

    Judy Blankenship

  • Region:

    Ontario
Supporter at 1983 rally in support of abortion rights outside the Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto. The Women's Bookstore can be seen in the background.
Abortion Rights Rally outside Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto (1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Photographer:

    Judy Blankenship

  • Region:

    Ontario
Two protestors--Ian Lumsden, on the right-- joined a 1983 rally outside the Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto, in support of legalizing abortion clinics
Abortion Rights Rally outside Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto (1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Photographer:

    Judy Blankenship

  • Region:

    Ontario
Anne McClard at a 1983 rally called for the legalization of abortion clinics. The rally was held outside the Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto in 1983.
Abortion Rights Rally outside Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto (1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Photographer:

    Judy Blankenship

  • Region:

    Ontario
Anne McClard and Lois Pike join other protesters at a 1983 rally organized in support of Dr. Morgentaler and legalizing free-standing abortion clinics. The rally was held outside Dr. Morgentaler's clinic on Harbord Street in Toronto.
Abortion Rights Rally outside Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto (1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Photographer:

    Judy Blankenship

  • Region:

    Ontario
This is an undated photos of CARAL leaders (clockwise from left): Kathleen Howse, Caroline Lindbergh, Merike Madiso, Ruth Miller, Norma Scarborough, and Karen Hammond.
Abortion Rights: Canadian Association for Repeal of the Abortion Law (CARAL)

  • Year created:

    --

  • Photographer:

    Pamela Harris

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)
This is an undated photos of CARAL leaders, including : Kathleen Howse, Caroline Lindbergh, Ruth Miller, Norma Scarborough and Karen Hammond.
Abortion Rights: Canadian Association for Repeal of the Abortion Law (CARAL)

  • Year created:

    --

  • Photographer:

    Pamela Harris

  • Region:

    Ontario
Norma Scarborough and Henry Morgentaler hold a copy of The Toronto Star with front-page headlines announcing the historic Supreme Court decision taken on January 28, 1988, stating that Canada's abortion law is not legal.
Abortion Rights: Henry Morgentaler and Norma Scarborough Celebrate 1988 Supreme Court Ruling

  • Year created:

    1988

  • Photographer:

    Lorna Rapson Ferguson

  • Region:

    Ontario
Laura Sabia speaking at the 1978 Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Association for the Repeal of the Abortion Law.
Abortion Rights: Laura Sabia Speaking at CARAL Annual General Meeting

  • Year created:

    1978

  • Photographer:

    Lorna Rapson Ferguson

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)
Abortion rights activists Dr. Linda Rapson, Dr. Henry Morgentaler, and Norma Scarborough in 1978 photo.
Abortion Rights: Linda Rapson, Henry Morgentaler and Norma Scarborough

  • Year created:

    1978

  • Photographer:

    Lorna Rapson Ferguson

  • Region:

    Ontario
Clinic Defense at Scott Clinic – Toronto 1989

  • Year created:

    1989

  • Region:

    Ontario
Thousands join the October 14, 1989 Day of Action on Abortion to protect the Right to Choose.
Day of Action on Abortion (Toronto) – October 1989

  • Year created:

    1989

  • Photographer:

    Amy Gottlieb

  • Region:

    Ontario
The Day of Action on October 14, 1989 was organized to protect the Right to Choose. This photo was taken in Toronto.
Day of Action on Abortion Rights (Toronto) – October 14, 1989

  • Year created:

    1989

  • Photographer:

    Amy Gottlieb

  • Region:

    Ontario
A photo of a large pro-choice demonstration in British Columbia protesting the criminalization of abortion.
Demonstration for Abortion Rights in British Columbia

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    British Columbia
This photo of Dykes for Choice was taken at a rally in support of Dr, Morgentaler and the Toronto abortion clinic in 1983. From left to right: Christine Donald, Heather Ramsay, Gay Bell, and Virginia Adamson.
Dykes for Choice at Rally for Morgentaler Clinic (1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Photographer:

    Diana Meredith

  • Region:

    Ontario
Undated photo of sign at Toronto International Women's Day March calling for Free Abortion on Demand.
International Women’s Day (Toronto) – Free Abortion on Demand

  • Year created:

    --

  • Photographer:

    Diana Meredith

  • Region:

    Ontario
This undated photo was taken at Toronto International Women's Day March.
International Women’s Day 1982 (Toronto) – Free Abortion on Demand

  • Year created:

    1982

  • Photographer:

    Diana Meredith

  • Region:

    Ontario
Shelley Glazer and Sheila Miller walk with Free Abortion on Demand placard at 1982 International Women's Day March in Toronto.
International Women’s Day 1982 (Toronto) – Shelley Glazer and Sheila Miller

  • Year created:

    1982

  • Photographer:

    Diana Meredith

  • Region:

    Ontario
International Women's Day in Toronto, March 1982. Photograph by Helena Wehrstein.
International Women’s Day 1982 (Toronto) – Women’s Right to Choose

  • Year created:

    1982

  • Photographer:

    Helena Wehrstein

  • Region:

    Ontario
This photo was taken at the 1983 raid of the Toronto Morgentaler clinic and shows Judy Rebick speaking to protesting women. The Toronto clinic, opened in June by Dr. Morgentaler, was raided in July and police charged Drs. Morgentaler, Scott and Smoling with conspiracy to procure a miscarriage.
Judy Rebick speaking at the Raid on Morgentaler Clinic (Toronto) – July 1983

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Photographer:

    Diana Meredith

  • Region:

    Ontario
The photo was taken of the protest outside the Morgentaler Clinic in Toronto following the police raid in July 1983.
Police Raid on Morgentaler Clinic (Toronto) – July 1983

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Photographer:

    Diana Meredith

  • Region:

    Ontario
Paula Fletcher (left) standing in a crowd with signs demanding free abortion during a protest in Sault Ste. Marie in 1971.
Sault Ste. Marie Abortion Demonstration (1971)

  • Year created:

    1971

  • Region:

    Ontario
The CARAL banner highlights the National Day of Action on October 13,1990, and the slogan "Don't Criminalise Abortion in Canada." Women's groups across Canada were asked to produce a protest banner that would become part of a huge banner in Ottawa. The goal was to show the strength and solidarity of women during the Third Commonwealth meeting of Ministers Responsible for Women’s Affairs in October 1990.
The Banner Project (1990): CARAL

  • Year created:

    1990

  • Photographer:

    Amy Gottlieb

  • Region:

    National (all of Canada)
The Red Berets at Control of Our Bodies Rally, Queen's Park, May 16, 1982. Photograph by Amy Gottlieb.
The Red Berets at Control of Our Bodies Rally (Toronto)

  • Year created:

    1982

  • Photographer:

    Amy Gottlieb

  • Region:

    Ontario
The Red Berets perform at Control of Our Bodies Rally, Queen's Park (Toronto), May 16, 1982.
The Red Berets at Control of Our Bodies Rally in Queen’s Park

  • Year created:

    1982

  • Photographer:

    Helena Wehrstein

  • Region:

    Ontario

Posters

This is a poster for a public meeting on abortion rights and women's liberation held in connection with International Women's Day in Toronto. The poster also calls on women to march on IWD for legalizing Free-standing abortion clinics.
Abortion and Women’s Liberation Public Meeting (Toronto)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Control of our Bodies – Control of our Lives

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Control of Our Bodies March

  • Year created:

    1982

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Dr. Morgentaler Speaks

  • Year created:

    1974

  • Region:

    British Columbia

  • Language:

    English
This poster is for the Friends of Choice Tribute Dinner, held to celebrate the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision and honour Michele Landsberg and Norma Scarborough for their contributions to the fight for reproductive rights in Canada.
Friends of Choice Tribute Dinner

  • Year created:

    1996

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
Rise Up for Choice Dance – International Women’s Day 1984

  • Year created:

    1984

  • Visual Artist:

    Susanne Kelly

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
This poster is for a Toronto pro-choice rally organized for October 1, 1983, by the Women's Cultural Building Committee in support of abortion choice and reproductive rights.
Support Pro-Choice Rally (October 1983)

  • Year created:

    1983

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
The Women are Coming: Abortion Caravan

  • Year created:

    1970

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English
This poster advertised an event to discuss fighting back against the attack on women’s abortion rights. The evening was sponsored by the International Women’s Day Committee and featured a speaker from Quebec talking about their recent successes.
Women Fight Back! Women’s Right to Abortion Under Attack

  • Year created:

    --

  • Region:

    Ontario

  • Language:

    English