Media Release
21 July 2009

ProLife NZ welcomes the Government’s decision to suspend the folic acid scheme as it is the wrong way to approach the problem of folate deficiency.

An adequate intake of folate is required to lower the risk of babies being born with neural tube defects which include spina bifida. In 2003 there were estimated to be 180 babies with neural tube defects aborted in New Zealand.

John Forman, executive director of the Organisation for Rare Disorders was mentioned in the NZ Herald (20 July) saying that by mass medicating the country we would be able to reduce the number of abortions taking place in NZ. He went on to ask, “Who is going to take responsibility for a couple of classrooms of kids that are not going to be there – every year?”.

“We are glad to see the Organisation for Rare Disorders seeking to reduce our high abortion rate, however legislating on the addition of folate to bread is the wrong way to approach the problem,” said Prolife NZ National Director Andy Moore.

“However mass medicating the country is not the key to reducing our high abortion rate,” he said. “There are other more practical and effective steps which can be taken. Properly informing women who are seeking advice on abortion and ensuring that they are offered their free ultrasound scan will go a long way in helping address our country’s abysmal abortion rate.”

Prolife NZ encourages pregnant mothers in New Zealand to ensure that their intake of folate is sufficient to provide the child growing inside them with the nutrients essential to its development.

ENDS

For More Information, contact Prolife NZ:
Andy Moore – National Director
Mob. 021 1140 751 Email: andy@prolife.org.nz

Media Release
21 July 2009

Prolife NZ is today setting the record straight on the Right to Life vs. the Crown court case, following a misleading press release from Abortion Law Reform Association (ALRANZ).

In their 19 July press release Dr. Margaret Sparrow cites the cost incurred by the Crown in the high-profile case. The Abortion Supervisory Council (ASC) reports that the cost of the case to date is $280,000.

“While ALRANZ is accusing Right to Life of causing this huge bill to the tax-payer, the reverse is true,” said Prolife NZ National Director Andy Moore. “Justice Miller has made it clear that a large number of abortions performed in New Zealand may be unlawful – therefore it is the Crown that must be held accountable.”

“That the case has been so drawn-out is evidence that Right to Life is onto something. If the ASC had been doing its job there would have been no need for this lengthy and costly court case. However Justice Miller found in June 2008 that, ‘The [ASC] has misinterpreted its functions and powers’. If anyone is to blame for this quarter of a million dollars expense to the country during the recession, it is the ASC,” he said.

“Dr. Sparrow claims that pro-life group Right to Life wants women to have no choice, however this is blatantly untrue,” he said. “In actual fact, Right to Life wishes to ensure that women are able to make an informed decision regarding the precious life growing within them.”

“ALRANZ is a small group with approximately 200 members,” he said. “How can they possibly claim to represent the opinion of the majority of New Zealanders when they espouse such extremist views?”

In contrast, Prolife NZ is a newly established and vibrant youth-based group with a fast-growing membership from all over Aotearoa, New Zealand. Young people wishing to join Prolife NZ are encouraged to visit the group’s website, www.prolife.org.nz.

ENDS

For More Information, contact Prolife NZ:
Andy Moore – National Director
Mob. 021 1140 751 Email: andy@prolife.org.nz

Media Release
19 July 2009

Prolife NZ is looking forward to Justice Miller issuing declaratory orders tomorrow that will clearly define the responsibilities of the Abortion Supervisory Committee (ASC).

The case which will be held in the High Court in Wellington is scheduled for Monday 20 July. Justice Miller will at this time make declaratory orders following his ruling in the July 2008 case, Right to Life vs. the Crown.

At present, the ASC permits over 98% of abortions to be approved by certifying consultants using the mental-health clause in the abortion law.

Justice Miller stated in July 2008 that “There is reason to doubt the lawfulness of many abortions authorised by certifying consultants,” and that “The [ASC] has misinterpreted its functions and powers”. However he did not issue explicit declaratory orders. Declaratory orders will give clearer direction to the ASC in how they apply the abortion law in New Zealand. Clearly defined declaratory orders will also mean that Parliament is able to ensure that the ASC is fulfilling its duties.

The ASC has determined to ignore Justice Miller’s July 2008 statement, contacting all certifying consultants and recommending that they continue approving abortions as before – despite the Justice’s concern. The ASC has also voiced opposition to the Justice issuing declaratory orders, claiming that they are unnecessary and may lead to confusion.

“These are clearly the tactics of a committee that are scared. Prolife NZ is surprised that the committee should resort to such a desperate and underhanded measure,” said Prolife NZ National Director Andy Moore.

“We welcome this court case, as a positive outcome will result in the law being applied as it was originally intended. This will in turn result in fewer women being hurt by abortion and fewer babies being killed”.

ENDS

For More Information, contact Prolife NZ:
Andy Moore – National Director
Mob. 021 1140 751 Email: andy@prolife.org.nz