17 June 2008

Voice for Life Deeply Saddened by 2008 Abortion Figures

“The 2008 abortion figures for New Zealand can only be viewed with great sadness,” according to Voice For Life National Communications Manager, Bernard Moran. “We simply have to acknowledge that behind every one of the 18,350 pregnancies ended in abortion is a story of loss.”

“When one pregnancy in four ends in abortion in New Zealand, then the country as a whole must accept that there is a problem,” he says.

In line with the recent High Court decision, Voice For Life suggests the Abortion Supervisory Committee (ASC) take a more proactive approach in questioning this year’s increase in the figures over last year. “If the ASC wanted to do one positive thing as a result of these figures, they might recommend to Government that further research is undertaken on the mental health issues which develop for many women as a result of abortion. Simply keeping an annual tally is not enough,” says Moran.

“It is unbearably sad to hear women say that they had very little idea of how an abortion might affect them. Living with the history of an abortion is far more difficult than the ‘quick solution to a problem’ it is often presented as.

“Post-abortion counselling reveals a huge range of experiences which affect women and often their families profoundly. In recent years, Voice For Life has begun to attract members who have had a first-hand experience of abortion. A common view is that the impact of abortion on women is generally hidden and often only revealed in counselling many years after. Abortion remains for the most part, a very deep and hidden wound,” comments Moran.
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ENDS

Background

Bernard Moran is an Auckland-based journalist with over 30 year’s experience and holds the position of Communications Manager for Voice For Life Inc.

Voice For Life is New Zealand’s largest secular, pro-life organisation, with 42 branches throughout the country. Voice For Life has five areas of priority about which it speaks:

- The Unborn – speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves on abortion
- omen’s Health – advocating for informed consent
- amilies – recognising the role of family in society
- he old or infirm – seeing the dignity at all stages of human life
- ioethics – taking an ethical approach to bio-technology

His work with Voice For Life has included preparing submissions to parliamentary Select Committees, speaking at conferences in New Zealand and internationally. His commentary experience includes a secular pro-life perspective on abortion, euthanasia, the issues which limit informed consent in medical and surgical procedures and bioethics.

Please contact Voice For Life for a secular pro-life perspective on
Life Issues in New Zealand.

ENDS

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