Media Release
11 May 2009
Prolife NZ is opposed to the under-handed tactics being employed by anti-life group, the Abortion Law Reform Association of New Zealand. Yesterday (10 May 2009), Dr. Margaret Sparrow of the ALRANZ made a press release, stating that Members of Parliament must publicly support the Abortion Supervisory Committee in its court battle this week against the anti-abortion group Right to Life.
“What loose set of morals could an organisation have, that they would attempt to put pressure on the decision of the court” said Andy Moore, National Director of Prolife NZ. “The court exists as an independent body with the responsibility of upholding our country’s laws, and seeing that justice prevails.”
“ALRANZ launches into its press release, promoting the misconception that this case is about the ASC vs. Right to Life. On the contrary, it is the ASC appealing the ruling of Justice Miller of the High Court, who ruled that the ASC had misinterpreted its functions. Right to Life will be represented at the court by their Queen’s Counsel, Peter McKensie who will be supporting the original ruling that the ASC has been allowing many unlawful abortions and also appealing the ruling that unborn children are not persons.”
ALRANZ has misrepresented Right to Life’s case, claiming that they are aiming to end access to safe abortions. However, Right to Life is making the case that New Zealand’s abortion law should be applied correctly, as it was intended when it was passed in 1977 – nothing more.
“They make a vague reference to Right to Life challenging abortion counselling in New Zealand in an attempt to paint the organisation in a bad light. However the truth behind this statement is that Justice Miller confirmed Right to Life’s concern that the certifying consultants (abortion counsellors) in New Zealand were indeed not carrying out their duty in a satisfactory manner.”
“Dr. Sparrow accuses Right to Life of exploiting New Zealand’s abortion law through the courts. This is incorrect. Ironically, it is the certifying consultants who are exploiting the mental health ground, and allowing so many unlawful abortions to be performed.”
Prolife NZ reminds Members of Parliament that the anti-life extremist group ALRANZ does not represent the consensus on abortion law in New Zealand. A comparatively small anti-life lobby group, ALRANZ consists of approximately 200 members. ALRANZ’s extreme anti-life position is made clear, as they call for abortion on demand in their press release. “Their recommendations should be taken with a grain of salt, as they represent only a relatively small number of people in New Zealand”, Mr. Moore said.
ENDS
For More Information, contact Prolife NZ:
Andy Moore – National Director
Mob. 021 1140 751 Email: andy@prolife.org.nz