MEDIA RELEASE

2 June 2000

Gael Donoghue
Health Spokesperson

MORE TAXPAYERS MONEY TO FUND ABORTION MACHINE

Gael Donoghue, Christian Heritage Party Health Spokesperson, takes issue with the Government’s latest taxpayer funding through Pharmac to the tune of $150,000 for the so called ‘morning-after pill’. “These pills are abortifacients, but of course that is not ‘politically correct’ speak!” she said.

“The taxpayer is already paying out millions for the cost of 15,000 surgical abortions per year – now we are adding to this with chemical abortion,” said Mrs Donoghue. “Isn’t it enough that the taxpayer is also paying for heavily subsidised multiple choice oral contraceptives and condoms already?” she asks. “Those long suffering patients still on waiting lists for operations, for example, will wonder at the government’s priorities. When will people take responsibility for their behaviour?” she asked.

“Added now to the financial considerations we have a high moral cost. It is time to call a halt to this expectation that the State – the taxpayer - will pay for the deliberate taking of life whether it be surgically or chemically? The result is the same – the loss of a new human life and the subsequent grief emotionally, physically and spiritually for the couple involved,” said Mrs Donoghue.

“I trust that the medical practitioners prescribing the abortifacients will obtain the necessary informed consent, and the pharmacists dispensing will give the necessary drug information to fulfil the Health and Disability Consumer Code requirements. Especially since the manufacturers literature lacks clarity in regard to action and efficacy!

“Our young people are being exploited, with messages that as long as they use contraception and now the morning-after pill (if things go wrong!) everything is fine. Sexual activity without thought for the consequences of their behaviour is promulgated as the norm for our teenagers. Whatever happened to abstinence and self-esteem and self respect? The Christian Heritage Party believes sex education is no use without these elements, including thought for future happiness and stability within lifelong commitment in marriage. The sexually transmitted diseases resulting directly from promiscuity need to be clearly spelled out as well,” she said. “The huge rise recently documented in statistics of these sexually transmitted diseases, particularly in New Zealand’s teenagers, is shameful and successive governments’ attitudes continue to fuel the growing statistics of STDs and abortion.

“The Christian Heritage Party opposes abortion in any form, supports legislation to ensure human life is protected and believes young New Zealanders deserve education in understanding the value and sanctity of family and human life,” Mrs Donoghue concluded.

Contact: Mrs Gael Donoghue on (06) 347 6000 or (025) 514 980
Party Leader Graham Capill (021) 661 766

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