A day after the Governor General announced Morgentaler's appointment to the Order of Canada, the former abortion doctor held a news conference in Montreal, stating his push to expand access to abortions in the country has made women safer.

"(It's a) sign of recognition for all the work I've done over the years and the sacrifices I've made," he said Wednesday.

He said that he was proud to be "finally . . . recognized (for) my contribution to Canadian women."

Morgentaler has been a controversial figure for decades, playing a key role in striking down Canada's abortion laws in 1988. He had been openly performing illegal abortions -- which had been only allowed on limited terms in some hospitals -- since the late 1960s.

He now runs clinics across Canada, although the 85-year-old does not perform abortions anymore due to health reasons.

He said over the past two decades, Canada has set an example for the world. But his appointment to the Order of Canada has outraged some conservative politicians and religious leaders.More...