Bernard Norman Barwin

Dr. Bernard Norman Barwin is a Canadian gynaecologist and medical professor who was appointed into the Order of Canada in 1997 for having a “profound impact on both the biological and psycho-social aspects of women’s reproductive health.” He was removed from the Order on July 5, 2013.

Biography

Barwin was born in South Africa. He attended Queen’s University in Northern Ireland to complete his Medical Degree, graduating in 1965.

Controversy

Though director of the High Risk Pregnancy Clinic and co-director of the Ottawa General Hospital's fertility clinic, Barwin left in 1984 because he was not a certified gynaecologist in Canada. He would then establish his own clinic, though still licensed as a general physician.

Despite practicing artificial insemination since 1973, he admitted to professional misconduct after four women were artificially inseminated with the wrong sperm. This would leave the offsprings unwilling ignorant of their male parentage which leaves crucial gaps in their genetic medical history. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario panel revoked his licence to practice for two months and was ruled to cover the $3,650 cost of the disciplinary proceedings.

A review of the incidences could find no “evident” reasons for the error.

Reputation

He was the Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Ottawa. He was also one of the founding members of Fertility Self-Help Group (ISSG), which later became the Infertility Awareness Association of Canada. He also founded Canadians for Choice and has been President since 2004. In addition, he was the President of the Canadian Fertility Society, the Planned Parenthood Federation of Canada and Planned Parenthood Ottawa.

In 2013, Barwin's Order of Canada designation was revoked.