Canadian Public Opinion of Abortion and Disability during the Thalidomide Crisis

The Thalidomide Crisis prompted public discussions of the morality of abortion and offers a good case study for examining public opinion about abortion in the context of anticipated disability. Historian Leslie J. Reagan argues of the American abortion debate that “the uncomfortable truth is that the fear of disabilities opened up the first respectful public conversation about abortion…that listened to women telling why they believed they needed an abortion.” Using letters to the editors of Canadian newspapers and magazines, this paper explores perceptions of abortion in response to the fear of fetal “abnormalities.” Advocates both for and against the termination of such pregnancies claimed that their position was the moral one, arguing either that babies born of these pregnancies were left to “a lifetime of bitter agony” or that they could expect to live “a full and productive life.” This dialogue reveals ideas guided by religious beliefs as well as perceptions of the responsibility of governments in the cost of caring for Canadians with physical challenges. Letters also draw on women’s experiences with pregnancy and motherhood as well as peoples’ lived experiences with disability.