Media Release 24 November 2021
The Health Select Committee after considering the bill believe that abortion providers should not have to wait until harm is done before seeking the Minister of Health’s approval for a “safe area”.
The Health Select Committee has reported back to Parliament on its consideration of the controversial and anti-life Contraception, Sterilisation & Abortion [Safe areas] Amendment bill of Labour MP Louisa Wall, the bill now awaits its second reading.
The Select Committee have recommended the bill be amended to radically change the criteria pertaining to the Minister of Health consenting to impose “safe areas” within 150 metres around abortion facilities. The recommendation is that the Minister is only required to believe that the imposition of a safe area is desirable to prevent any possible future harassment or intimidation and not as previously drafted as being necessary to prevent current alleged harassment and intimidation. The Committee has reported no evidence of women or staff being intimidated or harassed at abortion facilities.
Right to Life believes that it is the intention of government to impose so called “safe areas” around every abortion facility in New Zealand.
This could be achieved by instructing all the 20 District Health Boards to apply to the Minister for a “safe area” around their abortion facility. A request that would be quickly granted. This is to promote the illusion that those who poison, suction, and violently dismember the unborn are the protectors of women and provide a safe place for the killing of their unborn.
Right to Life believes that the community should vigorously oppose the government of Jacinda Ardern that is prepared to violate our human rights with impunity in order to promote its war on women and their precious unborn.
The government will not tolerate those in the community who refuse to accept the violent killing of the unborn as “health care”.
The government was not able to provide evidence that the Summary Offences Act is inadequate to deal with any civil disorder near abortion facilities.
It should be noted that the Health Select Committee which considered this contentious bill received 914 written submissions. There was overwhelming opposition to the bill with 635 submissions opposed and only 175 in support, 103 submissions were considered neutral.
Why did the Select Committee completely ignore public opinion and all the evidence against this bill?
Do they not believe that we have a Parliamentary democracy with government for the people by the people?
Ken Orr,
Spokesperson,
Right to Life N.Z. Inc.
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