The NFB is committed to respecting your privacy

We use cookies to ensure that our site works efficiently, as well as for advertising purposes.

If you do not wish to have your information used in this way, you can modify your browser settings before continuing your visit.

Learn more
Skip to content Accessibility
New release
Coming 
None

Democracy on Trial: The Morgentaler Affair

1984 58 min
Leaving soon

Paul Cowan's film captures the spirit of the legal battle over abortion waged by Dr. Henry Morgentaler in Quebec and in federal courts between 1970 and 1976. Using a combination of newsreel footage, interviews and re-enactments, this docudrama unravels the complexities of the case that began as a challenge to Canada's abortion laws and turned into a precedent-setting civil rights case.

This content is not available for free viewing in your location.
Your rental expires on
None
You've already purchased this film.
Download it from My purchases.
Not available
Share
This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
Democracy on Trial: The Morgentaler Affair

Details

Paul Cowan's film captures the spirit of the legal battle over abortion waged by Dr. Henry Morgentaler in Quebec and in federal courts between 1970 and 1976. Using a combination of newsreel footage, interviews and re-enactments, this docudrama unravels the complexities of the case that began as a challenge to Canada's abortion laws and turned into a precedent-setting civil rights case.

This work deals with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.
Sexuality and Reproduction Law and Crime Women Health and Medicine All subjects
Fascinating People All channels
  • director
    Paul Cowan
  • editing
    Paul Cowan
  • producer
    Adam Symansky
    Jefferson Lewis
    Paul Cowan
  • executive producer
    Robert Verrall
    Andy Thomson
  • script
    Jefferson Lewis
  • cinematography
    Paul Cowan
    Mike Mahoney
  • sound
    Jacques Drouin
  • sound editing
    Bernard Bordeleau
  • sound mixing
    Jean-Pierre Joutel
    Adrian Croll
  • narrator
    William Hunt
  • music
    Alex Pauk
    Alexina Louie
  • cast
    Gabriel Gascon
    Henry Morgentaler
    Mike Morgentaler
    Michael Rudder
    Lisa Schwartz
    Claude-Armand Sheppard
    Jacques Thisdale
    Gwen Tolbart

Enjoy the NFB experience on your favourite device

Roku Apple TV Fire TV Android TV Apple App Store Google Play Store

Education

Ages 15 to 17
Study Guide
Guide 1
School subjects
Civics/Citizenship - Human Rights History and Citizenship Education - Civil Rights and Freedoms Social Studies - Canadian Politics and Government
In a mock trial, split the class in half and debate a pro-life and a pro-choice standpoint. Their debate should include reasons for being pro or against abortion. In your debate, include whether you think the government has any say about abortions. Students can write an essay from the point of view of Henry Morgentaler defending his position. In a personal response, have students reflect on the following question: Would you say that Henry Morgantaler is the epitome of courage?
Democracy on Trial: The Morgentaler Affair
Purchase options
Also available
DVD
Licence information
Already paid to see this film?
Licencing information

Home licence (worldwide); Classroom licence (Canada only)

You may download this film for private, personal or classroom use only. Public screenings and institutional (non-educational institutions) uses are not permitted. Download films in standard or high definition. (Please note that bonus materials are not available for DTO films.) You can copy each file up to 5 (five) times, onto various devices. DTO films cannot be hosted on a streaming server. To add DTO films to an institutional or educational streaming server, please contact a sales agent to discuss pricing.

Institutional licence

The institutional price includes the rights to screen this film in institutional settings and in free public screenings.

Explore