Media Release 22 August 2009

Court of Appeal Case Welcomed as Opportunity to Stand Up for the Unborn

Prolife NZ is today welcoming the news that Right to Life will again be representing the unborn in the Court of Appeal. On 20 August 2009 The Abortion Supervisory Committee (ASC) filed an appeal with the Court of Appeal against Justice Miller's 9 June 2008 judgement. Right to Life will once again cross-appeal on behalf of the unborn children in New Zealand who are unable to speak for themselves.

In his 9 June 2008 judgement, Justice Miller stated that 'There is reason to doubt the lawfulness of many abortions authorised by certifying consultants,' and 'The [ASC] has misinterpreted its functions and powers under the abortion law.'

“Why is the ASC so desperate to reject the Justice's judgement in a bid to retain what is essentially abortion on demand?” asked Prolife NZ National Director Andy Moore. “The ASC was established by Parliament to ensure that New Zealand's abortion law is carried out as it was originally intended.”

In his 9 August judgement, Justice Miller stated that 'the Committee can be expected to administer the law as Parliament intended'. However the ASC has expressed it's decision to ignore its duty and instead appeal the Justice's findings.

“The very title of the abortion law states that 'full regard must be given to the rights of the unborn child', why then is the ASC reaching into the public purse to fund its campaign for the retention of unlawful and unethical abortions in New Zealand?” said Mr. Moore.

Prolife NZ is a youth-based pro-life group who are appalled at New Zealand's high number of abortions. They are today calling for the Crown to uphold the human rights of unborn children who are the weakest members of society.

ENDS

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