Friday 18 March marks the second-year anniversary of the passing of the Abortion Legislation Act. It is one of the most extreme abortion laws in the world, allowing for abortion up to birth, with only a very limited test after 20 weeks.
Sadly, in that first year of the new law, 13,246 unborn children were lost to abortion. This figure equates to just over one-fifth (18.6%) of all known pregnancies, (excluding miscarriages).
In these two years, medical abortion has become increasingly accessible, and the incidence of this method has escalated at an alarmingly high rate. In 2020, the rate of early medical abortion (EMA), carried out before nine weeks of pregnancy, increased from 22% to 36%. We can expect, further increases when the data is released for 2021.
Pharmac funds Mifepristone and Misoprostol, the two drugs needed for an Early Medical Abortion. It is possible for relevant health care practitioners, to order several doses on a Practitioner’s Supply Order, ready on hand for distribution as required. Any midwife, physician, or nurse practitioner who wishes to provide EMA can do so, potentially making any local medical centre, or midwives office an abortion provider.
“Safe Area” Bill Passes
The initial Abortion Legislation Act intended to include “safe areas,” however, due to a moment of confusion in Parliament, the law was passed with the concept mentioned, but no way for them to be implemented.
Labour MP, Louisa Wall, immediately attempted to rectify the situation by submitting a Member’s Bill. It was promptly drawn out of the ballot; however, it has taken some time to go through all the stages.
Wednesday night, the Contraception, Sterilisation, and Abortion (Safe Areas) Amendment Bill, passed its third, and final reading. There were 108 votes for, and 12 against.
Before it can be enacted, the legislation must be granted Royal Assent. At the time of writing, Parliament’s website did not indicate that this had occurred.
So-called “safe areas” do not automatically come into force around every abortion facility in the country. Individual facilities must apply for a “safe area” to be put in place, be approved, in order for the restrictions to come into force.
Of note, prayer is not listed as prohibited behaviour within an established “safe area”.
Family Life International takes seriously its responsibility to ensure we are not asking anyone to participate in illegal activities. Our small team is working hard to ensure that our 40 Days for Life prayer vigil outside of AMAC remains peaceful and within the law.
For past articles on the “Safe Area” Bill, please click on the links below.
Safe Area Bill passes second reading
Pending “safe area” legislation for abortion facilities won’t put a stop to peaceful prayer vigils
Submission: Safe Areas at abortion centres impose unreasonable restrictions on peaceful citizens
Abortion Legislation Bill, prayer, safe areas and action
“Safe area” legislation threatens to shut down peaceful prayer vigils
Interview: Robert Colquhoun 40 Days for Life
Abortion is a terrible crime against the dignity of the human person. Its tentacles of destruction run deep. Not only does abortion end the life of a precious, unrepeatable child made in the image and likeness of God, but it harms mothers in the most tragic ways. Abortion scars men. It destroys families. Every life lost, every life impacted, negatively changes the face of society.
Those who work with women and men suffering from the trauma of abortion will tell you just how deep that wound goes.
Let us never tire of reaching out in love to pregnant mothers, to families, and to all those whose lives have been broken by the trauma of abortion.
