Despite our differences, I still prayed for Dr. Morgentaler

About 30 years ago I met the late Dr. Bernard N. Nathanson, a co-founder of the U.S. abortion movement and back then a self-described atheistic Jew.

American pro-life supporters had been praying for his conversion to the pro-life cause and, eventually, their prayers were answered. The last time I saw him, he was addressing about 60 pro-life leaders. He closed by saying: “I can sum up my life in the following words: I believe in God, the Father Almighty . . .” as he recited the Creed. Nathanson had become a Catholic.

I first prayed for Henry Morgentaler 25 years ago. I had just become president of Campaign Life Coalition and realized the most visible obstacle to making Canada an abortion-free society was the vocal and defiant doctor from Montreal. I prayed for him every day and when I learned he died on May 23 I prayed for the repose of his soul.