Henry Morgentaler and Gertrude Katz

Gertrude Katz was Dr. Henry Morgentaler's friend, confidant, and co-worker in the Committee for Neutral Schools, and in taking abortion out of the criminal law. Pro-choice advocate Dr. Morgentaler (1923-2013) was one of the first Canadian doctors to perform vasectomies, to insert intrauterine devices, and to provide birth control pills to unmarried women. Beginning in 1969, he opened eight abortion clinics in Canada (in Montreal, Toronto, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Halifax, Frederiction, St.Johns Newfoundland, and Ottawa) and trained more than one hundred doctors. This fonds is divided into three sections. The first consists of correspondence, writings, and other materials that directly pertain to Dr. Henry Morgentaler or were authored by him. The second section consists of documents pertaining to Gertrude Katz's role in the Morgentaler Clinics, her professional and creative writings, and her volunteer activities. The third consists of additional biographical material donated by Gertrude Katz, including information about other family members, notably about the World War II experience of her husband Carl in the merchant marine.