15 Feb 2019

Message from Bishop O'Kelly SJ

My Sisters and Brothers

We should all be extremely concerned about the proposed Abortion Law Reform Bill introduced late last year by Greens MP Tammy Franks which is due for debate in the Legislative Council in coming weeks.

This bill drastically reduces safeguards for the unborn.  Abortions may be conducted even well into the ninth month of pregnancy. The unborn deserve love and protection, not destruction.

This bill treats abortion simply as a medical procedure without moral significance. There is no need for a medical opinion or a doctor’s involvement and no reason need be given for an abortion. It will be the most radical abortion law in the country. There is no sense of the sacredness of life.

We believe life to be a gift of God, to be cherished and revered. Christ said that he came that we might have life and have it to the full. Abortion is the destruction of the human life, an act that defies the sacred.  

We believe our main focus should be on supporting women who find themselves faced with an unplanned pregnancy and are grappling with this terrible choice, while also offering our unequivocal support and prayers to those women who are experiencing grief and loss.

I encourage you to talk to your local Member of Parliament and urge them not to pass such a law.  

I include as an attachment more details about the proposed legislation and its impact from Dr Elvis Šeman, member of the Guild of St Luke and gynecologist.

 Pastoral Letter 113 140219.pdf
 Letter from Dr Elvis Šeman.pdf

< back