24 August 2023
Dear Sarah Pallett,
Thank you for standing for Parliament in 2023. I would be grateful if you would advise me of your response to the following important conscience issues:-
Do you support increased legal protection for the lives of unborn children?
What is your view on the Abortion Legislation Act 2020 which provides abortion up to birth?
What is your view on the End of Life Choice Act 2019 which permits assisted suicide and euthanasia?
Do you support legal recognition of the unborn child as a human being from conception endowed with a right to life?
Yours sincerely,
Ken Orr,
Secretary,
Right to Life.
25 August 2023
Kia ora Ken
My stance on abortion law reform is well traversed and very public.
I support the abortion law reform, however in saying this note that your question contains a gross mischaracterisation of the legislation, and of abortion care.
I also supported the creation of safe areas around clinics providing abortion care, and am happy that women and care providers can seek and provide what is essential health care without being subjected to threats, violence and harassment.
I voted in favour of end of life choice before I was a MP when it was presented to voters at the referendum.
Sarah
Dear Sarah,
My question on abortion is not a gross mischaracterisation of the legislation which clearly states that after 20 weeks an abortion may be authorised if a doctor considers it “appropriate”, it is therefore correct to state that an abortion may be authorised up to birth.
If you are opposed to unborn babies being killed up to birth, Right to Life would be pleased to support you if you sought an amendment to the abortion law to provide this protection to unborn children.
The safe area legislation also prohibits any person entering this area offering assistance to women to protect the life of their child in the womb should they be asked.
Thank you for all that you are doing to promote the common good.
Kind regards, Ken Orr.