12 April 2009
Media Release

Lives of Unborn Children Terminated on Demand – Violation of Human Rights

Statistics released by the Abortion Supervisory Committee, under the Official Information Act indicate that we continue to have abortion on demand. There were 18,382 abortions notified in 2007. There is approximately one abortion for every three live births. The statistics reveal that one certifying consultant approved of the killing of 1050 unborn children. The consultant declined not even one request for an abortion. Another consultant approved 723 abortions and also refused none.. A third consultant approved 921 abortions and refused just one. The overall approval rate for abortions has been consistent at 98 per cent since the Contraception Sterilisation Act 1977 was passed by Parliament.

It was the expectation of Parliament in passing this legislation that it would protect the human rights of unborn children and protect the health and welfare of vulnerable women faced with an unplanned pregnancy. This objective was enshrined in the long title of the Act which reads; “…abortions may be authorised only after full regard to the rights of unborn children” Parliament expected that certifying consultants would be the protectors of innocent and defenceless unborn children and would be eloquent and determined advocates for the right to life of their little patients. It is the greatest human rights tragedy of our era that these noble sentiments have not been met. Certifying consultants belong to a noble profession, they have a professional responsibility to uphold the Declaration of Geneva, which states; “I will maintain the greatest respect for human life from the time of conception, even under threat I will not use my knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity.” The statistics reveal that certifying consultants have abdicated their responsibility and their professional ethics to vigorously protect human life from the very moment of conception.

The medical profession has failed to ensure that all of its members comply with their professional responsibility to protect the lives of unborn children. Why are they refusing to act? The Churches too, have a duty to God, to defend life and to protect the lives of God’s precious infants, with the exception of the Catholic Church and some individual ministers, why is there a deafening silence?

Ken Orr
Spokesperson,
Right to Life New Zealand Inc.

ENDS

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