Home | Contact Us | Newsletters

The passing of the Abortion Law Reform Bill 2008 in the Victorian Legislative Council by a vote of 23 - 17, was described by the Archbishop of Melbourne Denis Hart as a betrayal of humanity.

“It is a betrayal of our shared humanity, a betrayal of women, a betrayal of the innocent unborn child, that we would ease the way to the destruction of 20,000 unborn children annually,” the Archbishop said.

“Our shared humanity demands that we assist mothers with an unwanted pregnancy to enable them to carry their child to term. For the time being the battle is lost in the legislature. But not in the hearts and minds of good people.

“The Church with all people of goodwill will redouble its efforts to foster and promote a culture that is pro-life; one that defends and supports women in their inspiring role of motherhood.”

The Archbishop said that the Bill does nothing to reduce the number of abortions in Victoria.“The Bill offers nothing to support women with unwanted pregnancies; instead it makes even easier the way to the legal destruction of their child -a course of action universally considered to be regrettable and distressing,” the Archbishop said.

“I, like many others in the community, am filled with a profound sadness and anguish that our parliament, despite the heroic efforts of many members of parliament [and many members of the community - Ed] has legalised the destruction of unborn children up to the moment of birth.

“The Bill overrides the conscientious objection of medical professionals. It makes a mockery of the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities. It contravenes the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

“As I have indicated, Catholic Hospitals will continue to provide medical services in a way consistent with Catholic teaching and code of ethics. Catholic hospitals will not perform abortions. Catholic hospitals will not provide referrals for the purpose of abortion. This is irrevocable.”