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