A Choice No Mother Should Have to Make
A women’s advocate who is leading the fight against the NSW abortion laws says there are two victims of every abortion – the unborn children and their mothers.
Barrister Rachael Wong has written newspaper articles, made submissions to the inquiry into the controversial Bill, lobbied MPs and recently addressed a 10,000 strong rally outside the NSW Parliament, which she described as “a phenomenal moment in our state’s history.”
An Adjunct Lecturer in the School of Law at Notre Dame University, Rachael is also the Managing Director of independent think tank Women’s Forum Australia.
“I am appalled, angry and heartbroken at what has taken place in our Parliament over the past few weeks,” Rachael told the pro-life crowd.
She went on: “I am appalled at the utter abuse of process surrounding this bill. The manner in which it has been rammed through Parliament has clearly been aimed at supressing, rather than promoting, democratic debate and discussion on a fundamentally important issue. Conflicting views aside, this is something that should deeply disturb everyone in this state.
“I am angry that the devastating impact of abortion on women and the real needs of women facing an unplanned pregnancy continue to be ignored. That our politicians disgracefully voted down crucial protections for women and girls vulnerable to coercion, sex-selective abortions and sexual abuse. And that the so-called “right to abortion” is being aggressively pursued at all costs – even at the cost of women’s and girls’ health and lives.
“And I am heartbroken at the callousness of a law that would effectively allow abortion on demand until birth. That would leave those babies who by some miracle survive an abortion to die without medical treatment. That further disregards the humanity and dignity of the most vulnerable members of our human family. And that tragically continues to pit women against their children.”
The bill mimics abortion law changes which have already passed in Victoria and Queensland by effectively allowing abortion at any stage of pregnancy, and for any reason, including the child’s gender.
The NSW proposal:
• Makes abortion legal up to five months on request (at which point a baby can survive outside the womb);
• Allows abortion beyond five months with no upper gestational limit and very minimal restrictions. Two doctors must agree that the abortion should occur, having broad reference to the woman’s circumstances.
Rachael said the bill was a radical departure from the current law and condemned it for removing protections “for women, unborn children, and health practitioners.”
“Most women seek abortions because they believe they have no other choice,” she said.
“Instead of making abortions more available, our government should address the real issues women are facing, and provide them with genuine support, especially in situations of domestic violence. We need to ensure that women feel empowered to have and raise their children, and don’t feel that abortion is their only choice.”
While supporters describe current abortion laws as archaic, Rachael said it was archaic to tell women that the solution to their problems is to get rid of their child.
“For all their talk of ‘progress’, this is an incredibly regressive, anti-woman, inhuman law, and a grave step backwards for women and our society,” she added.
“In 2019, we must do better for women, and their children, than abortion.”
With the bill set to be debated in the NSW Upper House in September, Rachael is urging people to join her in speaking up for women and unborn children.
“Abortion is a human issue,” she said. “Anyone who genuinely cares about women and their unborn children should be deeply concerned by what is happening in NSW.
“Anyone with a commitment to truth, justice, and love for neighbour, as well as a belief in the inherent dignity of every human being, has a responsibility to speak out against this horrific bill.”
Rachael Wong is a Barrister and Adjunct Lecturer in the School of Law at Notre Dame University. She is the Managing Director of independent think tank Women’s Forum Australia http://www.womensforumaustralia.org/
Hope and pray this bill doesn’t go through we need to save the unborns and mother’s. My daughters have been unable to have children and would love to have a child. I agree with all you have said and thank and support you.
No doubt Premier Daniel Andrews (if he remains Premier long enough) will eventually notice (if he hasn’t already) that there is a heavy cost to a nation which permits abortion…in a few years there will be no young people to continue the work. That nation will be more likely to be forced to take in immigrants.
The best Australian is a born Australian.
HJR
Most women seek abortions because they believe they have no other choice.
“Instead of making abortions more available, our government should address the real issues women are facing, and provide them with genuine support, especially in situations of domestic violence. We need to ensure that women feel empowered to have and raise their children, and don’t feel that abortion is their only choice.” Give women with unplanned pregnancy better support rather than just advising and providing the so called quick fix. love and support both mother and unborn human being. please.
Families are so grateful to the skilled doctors and nurses who assist when mother and/or baby find themselves at risk. We are surviving more and more scenarios of ill health. Here’s hoping the greater community can demonstrate such commitment to good outcomes in the face of potential tragedy.