Elsewhere in this week’s edition of the Catholic Weekly, we have the sad news of the passage of the abortion bill through NSW parliament last week and some delightful commentary from Michael Cook on the emotional fragility of the Opposition Leader and the risky decision of the Premier to make accusations against Dr Joanna Howe without the cover of parliamentary privilege.
For my contribution, I would like to highlight some of the powerful and courageous speeches made by MPs through the debate, because these often get overshadowed by the negative commentary but are—for those of us watching closely—an oasis amid the desert of the culture of death.
The first highlight was the speech of Rachel Merton; the first speaker to oppose the bill. “The people of New South Wales are entitled to look at the bill and ask where it all ends with the ideological legislative agenda being pushed by left-wing parliamentarians in this State,” she said, acknowledging that this bill is just the latest in a seemingly never-ending anti-faith legislative agenda.
Then there was the contribution from Libertarian John Ruddick, who used the “five minutes before” test to demonstrate why the only logical law would be one that protects babies from conception. “The formula of asking “Well, what about five minutes before your legal definition? What about five minutes before brainwaves or five minutes before a heartbeat or five minutes before a trimester or five minutes before birth?” etc can be applied at every step of the pregnancy except for the moment of conception,” he said.
Susan Carter reminded those in parliament that the bill “presents abortion as a complete answer to women facing challenges in their pregnancy,” and neglects anything else that may lead her to that decision, while her colleague Chris Rath began his speech by quoting Pope Benedict XVI and concluded by quoting the Psalms. He also described in detail the process of late-term abortion, ensuring that the reality of this barbaric practice is forever on the parliamentary record and that his colleagues cannot plead ignorance on this very serious human rights abuse.
Greg Donnelly continued his unbroken record of defending life from conception to natural death and became the first speaker from Labor opposed to the bill. He was joined less than an hour later by his colleague, Courtney Houssos, who together provided some relief from the otherwise heavily pro-abortion speeches given by government members.
Of worthy mention are, of course, the amendments tabled by the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party, which resulted in conscience protections and reporting requirements remaining in the law. “As a matter of principle, if there is an opportunity to bring dignity, reason and accountability back to this debate, the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party will take it,” Robert Borsak said. And I am so glad they did.
The Lower House debate was much more contracted, but there were still some bright spots of the debate.
Hugh McDermott spoke the simple truth that life begins at conception and “when an abortion is performed, a human life is terminated” and in her short yet eloquent speech, Monica Tudehope showed that the apple does not fall far from the tree.
I was moved when Robyn Preston acknowledged the massive rally against the bill that had occurred the week prior, and the presence of our leaders. “On that night, I was greeted by Archbishop Anthony Fisher and Bishop Antoine-Charbel Tarabay, who reached out and shook my hand,” she said. “There was an understanding amongst us that went beyond words. It was a look of trust, common values and a belief that what we stood for was right and just. We will not be silenced.”
Stephanie di Pasqua noted that many who reached out to her about the bill told her that this was their very first time contacting a politician, foreshadowing a new generation of active pro-lifers.
And in a blessed and welcome surprise, the new member for Oxley, Michael Kemp, said: “I do not support the idea that abortion should be available as a matter of personal preference, and I know that is not what occurs in the majority of cases,” making him the only pro-life member of the National party in parliament.
Despite the disappointment of the bill and the lack of leadership from party “leaders,” there has been some cause for hope. Take some time to read the good speeches. They’re worth it.
