Green's Policy to Liberalise Abortion Law Deceptive And Offensive
The Green Party’s attempt to deceive New Zealand women about the current abortion law, and their blatant attack on
pre-born children diagnosed with a disability, has deeply saddened Family Life International NZ, a group who works to
support women who are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy.
The Green’s have claimed that a woman is criminally liable for having an abortion under the current law.
“It is the person who actually performs the abortion, without regard to the law, who is criminally liable, not the
woman” Dame Colleen Bayer, National Director of Family Life International NZ pointed out.
Family Life International NZ is concerned that a liberalised abortion law will see doctors not being held accountable.
In recent times, a doctor, who is understood to also be a certifying consultant, was found guilty of professional
misconduct by the Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal after it was found she illegally gave misoprostol to three
patients in order to cause an abortion.
“Certifying consultants have shown that they are unable to abide by the current law. If the law is liberalised and less
regulated, it will be much easier for these people to do as they please” cautioned Bayer.
Allowing abortion after 20 weeks when the pre-born child has been diagnosed with 'severe fetal abnormalities' is another
aspect of the Green’s policy which has concerned the group.
“Pre-born children who have been diagnosed with Down syndrome, Spina Bifida and many other conditions prior to birth
have been targeted by the Greens as being unworthy of life” said Colleen.
“As a mother of children with Down syndrome, I find this policy offensive. The Greens have chosen to target these
pre-born babies in order to rid our society of them.”
“Pre-born babies who have been diagnosed with impairments or life-limiting conditions while still in the womb need to be
protected,” she went on to say. “And their parents need all the support they can get to properly care for their child
both before and after birth.”
“Our organisation can offer that help and support to parents who find themselves in this situation.”
“Women often seek an abortion because they feel they have no other choice. But with support, friendship and guidance we
offer her options and hope” explained Dame Bayer.
Family Life International NZ runs Crisis Pregnancy Centres in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin, serving pregnant women
throughout New Zealand. Pregnant women facing an unexpected pregnancy, and who wish to discuss all their options can
call 0800 367 5433.
ENDS