29 September 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALRANZ Dismayed At Anti-Student Union Recommendation

The Abortion Law Reform Association of New Zealand (ALRANZ) is deeply dismayed at the recent recommendation of the Education and Science Select Committee to adopt the Education (Freedom of Association) Amendment Bill.

As a pro-choice organisation, ALRANZ has collaborated and worked with student associations throughout the years. Together with Victoria University associations like, Salient, Victoria University of Wellington Students’ Association (VUWSA) Women’s Group, Auckland University Feminist Collective and the new pro-choice group, Action for Abortion Rights, we have sought to bring awareness and change to the issue of reproductive justice in New Zealand.

“It is vital that the myriad groups on campus fighting for things like women’s reproductive rights are encouraged to thrive in the tertiary sector,” ALRANZ’s National Secretary Morgan Healey said today. “But under this bill, they are likely to be strangled.”

“Had it not been for the students desire to become involved, important steps toward raising awareness of the need for new abortion laws would have been missed out on. Collectively these groups have sought to highlight the quotidian plight that women face when they try to access abortion services in New Zealand. More than that however, these vibrant and energetic women and men have brought a new perspective and invigoration to the reproductive rights/abortion movement. Something that has been missing for some years, “ stated Healey.

ALRANZ believes that this Bill will only serve to diminish the voices of these students. The organisation calls on the Government and all Members of Parliament to consider the impact this legislation will have on the viability of student associations nationally and the contributions these associations make to their communities.

ENDS

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