The decades’ long campaign to make abortion unthinkable is gaining momentum after the inaugural National Life Summit was held in Sydney on 30 November.
The day-long summit hosted by pro-life advocate Joanna Howe brought together 300 other advocates and activists, political leaders and community representatives committed to advancing the human rights of children in-utero and genuine support for their mothers.
Speakers and panellists included NSW shadow assistant attorney-general Susan Carter, chief executive officer of Women’s Forum Australia Rachael Wong and former union leader Joe de Bruyn, who received extended applause after sharing his view that his highly publicised speech at an Australian Catholic University graduation ceremony was the most impactful of his career.
In the speech delivered in Melbourne last month de Bruyn exhorted the graduands to be courageous and respectful when presenting the Church’s position on “controversial issues”, and gave examples from his own advocacy against abortion, IVF and same-sex marriage.
President of Pro-Life Victoria Denise Cameron and founder of Right to Life Australia Margaret Tighe were each honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the sold-out event held at the Fullerton Hotel in Martin Place.
Other award winners included pro-life politicians Nick Goiran and Robbie Katter, for political courage, whistleblower midwife Louise Adsett, and national bioethics convenor of Catholic Women’s League Australia’s Dr Deirdre Little, for the promotion of health, and Jenny Gurry, the Sydney-based founder and chief executive officer of Diamond Women, an unplanned pregnancy support service.
Some of those who received awards were also speakers, and two couples shared their testimonies of being advised to abort their child.
Howe told The Catholic Weekly she was encouraged by the summit’s “resounding success” and said she is looking for a venue with double the capacity in order to meet the demand for it to be an annual event.
“It was exciting to see the commitment and enthusiasm amongst the participants to make abortion unthinkable in Australia,” she said.