CBC Archives

Write the word “abortion” on the board or chart paper. In groups of four or five, have students record all the ideas, facts, and opinions they have on this topic. Then give the students the medical definition of the word “abortion.” As a class, review what each group recorded. Discuss what students know about the legality of abortion in Canada, Dr. Henry Morgentaler, and the two sides in the abortion debate.

Direct students to the topic Dr. Henry Morgentaler: Fighting Canada’s Abortion Laws on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site. Divide the class into six groups and assign each group one of the following:

Clips #1 and 3

Clip #2

Clip #4

Clips #5 and 6

Clips #7 and 8

Clip #9

Students should make sure to view the Did You Know? sections. As they browse, students should note important facts and dates, then organize the information they find into three sections: abortion facts, pro-abortion arguments, and anti-abortion arguments.

Pair the groups and have students compare the information they found. As a class, create a complete list of abortion facts and of arguments on both sides of the debate. List any other questions that students may have. Students can either explore the site for additional information or return to these questions as they complete other activities related to this topic.

Students can write a personal response to the information in one section of the class list, or reflect in their journals about their thoughts on Morgentaler’s determination to legalize abortion.