Media Release
18 June 2010
Prolife NZ is today welcoming the 2009 New Zealand Abortion Statistics which were released on June 17 by Statistics New Zealand.
The report shows that the abortion rate has dropped by almost 2.2% since 2008, with 17,550 abortions in 2009.
“This means 390 fewer unborn children have been killed, and 390 fewer women have been affected” says Sargia Harrison, Vice President of ProlifeNZ. “The statistics reflect the growing change in attitude towards abortion, as more people are standing up for life.”
In July 2008, Justice Miller ruled that “there is reason to doubt the lawfulness of many [New Zealand] abortions”, which has helped raise public awareness.
Ms. Harrison says “it alerted many New Zealanders to the chilling nature of an ‘abortion on demand’ culture”.
Recent Gallup polls have also shown that more Americans now call themselves pro-life than pro-choice, for the first time since 1995.
“The debate is changing, as more people develop an awareness of the reality of abortion,” says Ms. Harrison. “We are looking forward to a time when, like slavery, abortion will be treated for what it is.
“More than ever, it is vital that young people speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, those still growing inside their mothers’ wombs.”
Prolife NZ is a student organisation, which seeks to encourage and support pro-life students.
“We want to see an even lower figure in the 2010 statistics”, says Ms. Harrison. “We believe in the value of every human life and will continue to educate young people about the real nature of abortion.”
ENDS
More Information:
Sargia Harrison
0273317597