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Pages tagged "RU486"


Time to get mad, really mad

Posted on Blog · August 12, 2013 10:00 AM



By Paul O'Rourke, CEO of Emily's Voice.



The anger isn’t new, but the recent intensity of my rage has shocked even me. It’s always there, sitting just below the surface, rising and falling like the molten rock in an active volcano, bursting to life in response to seismic shifts in society. I like to think it’s usually a controlled and measured righteous indignation, but sometimes my white-hot anger is out-of-control, fuelled by my utter frustration and a despairing disbelief that society can be so blind to the damage that abortion causes women, children, relationships and, ultimately, society. Our colossal stupidity to this fact constantly astounds me. Abortion is a national tragedy; it's by any objective measure inhuman, disturbing, barbaric, illogical, unjust and a crime against the weak and vulnerable, the very ones a civilised and caring society is meant to protect. 



Don't tell me to settle down, that it's none of my business, a woman's right, not really a baby, is necessary to prevent child abuse, save a relationship, stop overpopulation, ensure every child is a wanted child, and prevent women having backyard abortions using coat hangers. The debate has been reduced to these clever and yet false catchphrases; another being: "If you don't like abortion then don't have one.'' Substitute any other crime for the word "abortion'', and you realise the stupid and sinister nature of the rhetoric.



We want to tax, encourage or scare smokers out of their filthy habit, end the whale hunt, protect the rainforests, save the orangutans, protect the planet, and ban factory farming, while equally defending and promoting the right of any girl or woman, independent of any man, to kill her child, damage herself, as well as current and future relationships. We’re rightly outraged at the annual deaths of 15,000 Australians from smoking-related causes, but blindly accept the annual deaths of 80,000 little Australians through abortion as somehow unavoidable. Why? It makes no sense.



How is it that we can we see through the Japanese claims that they need to kill lots of whales to study them, but fail to see that abortion is wrong because it ends the life of a human being and wounds many others? Whales have rights, but not unborn children.



Surely only the blind and deceived can believe that a child nestling safely at the entrance to the birth canal is a fetus, not really human, or with any inherent value or rights, but the infant to emerge at the other end is a human baby. It makes me think of the line from Seinfeld when Jerry asks George how to beat a lie detector: "Remember Jerry, it's not a lie if you believe it.''



My wife and I watched in stunned disbelief the Sixty Minutes story on Aussie actor Mary Coustas who sacrificed through "selective reduction" two of her triplets conceived through IVF, only to lose the third, stillborn at 21 weeks. It was a tragedy on many levels. Mary  told how they took pictures of the stillborn child, cuddled the baby and grieved with friends. Months later, As part of the healing process, she returned to the delivery room with a grief counsellor to remember the loss.



There are two groups whose views are conspicuously absent from the discussion about abortion: The first are the women who are the victims of abortion, the walking wounded whose lives have been deeply damaged by a decision often made under duress, when they were vulnerable, and often without all the information needed to give informed consent. The pain didn't go away after a few days as promised, no matter how hard they tried to pretend. They suffer, most silently, as those supposedly representing their best interests presume to speak on their behalf about the merits of abortion.



Perhaps outspoken feminist Germaine Greer was having a bad day when she described abortion as a "humiliating and painful procedure presented to women as a privilege".



The other group never represented are children, and yet theirs are the lives and futures we are stealing. Try to explain to those under 14 why us enlightened adults, again speaking on their behalf, have decided some children deserve to live, and others not. Explain to them why some of their siblings, cousins and potential playmates didn’t make it into the world. Look them in the eyes and tell them some children were rejected because mummy and daddy had enough children, wanted a boy instead of a girl, couldn't afford a baby, or would prefer a perfect baby, one without defects. Make sure to tell them it was a "difficult decision" for those involved.



My anger exploded again this week to unprecedented levels when Tasmania’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Craig White, a career health bureaucrat, told the Legislative Council hearings into abortion that legalising abortion would ‘’improve the health and wellbeing of Tasmanian women’’, and that abortion was “just another medical procedure’’. Dr White, on behalf of the Health Department, would like abortion-on-demand to 24 weeks. I imagined the respected health professional, dressed in a dark and moderately-expensive suit and tie, delivering his carefully-prepared speech impassively and yet with all the authority and confidence that accompanies his decades of experience and learning. I imagine the same women who think pro-life men are ignorant and automatically disqualified from the abortion debate partly because they are men, complimenting Dr White on his speech and thanking him for his time. Little children would remark:  “The emperor has no clothes.”



I’m angry because people are influenced by Dr White as he defends the indefensible along with a small but well-funded, well-prepared and incredibly strategic-thinking minority who are literally getting away with murder. Most Australians have no idea there are around 80,000 surgical abortions each year. They mistakenly believe that we need abortion because a woman will die without one, that she has been the victim of sexual assault, or that her offspring has a severe disability. Most people are dumbfounded when told these make up around 3% of all abortions. I know, because I spend half my life telling people the truth about abortion and watching their stunned reaction. "Really? 80,000 a year? A third of all women of childbearing age?  That can't be right. I didn't know there were so many, or that most were for emotional or financial reasons.'' So much for abortion being safe, affordable and rare. We have tolerated 80,000 annual abortions for more than two decades.



It’s true that 60-80% of Australians are generally in favor of abortion, yet most are strongly opposed to the financial and emotional reasons why 97% of abortions occur. Our research earlier this year shows Tasmanians are against abortion, even when the child has a mild disability or abortion is being considered for financial or lifestyle reasons. Australians want fewer abortions, believe women should be given alternatives, more support and independent counselling. The experts, the enlightened progressives, large sections of the medical community, the media and, of course, the abortion business, talk-up abortion like every woman needs one. And so comments such as Dr White's largely go unchallenged. We've become comfortably numb, or should it be comfortably "dumb''.



I want to ask Dr White to comment on our research, and defend his comments about abortion being good for women with respect to research released in just the past three years by Coleman; Calhoun et al, and Bellini and Buonocore which conclusively and definitively show the physical and mental health consequences of abortion.



I want to ask him if it’s true that around 10% of do-it-yourself abortions using wonder drug RU 486 fail, requiring women to have a surgical abortion to finish the job.



I want to ask him if he has ever read Melinda Tankard Reist’s book, Giving Sorrow Words, containing dozens of personal accounts of traumatic abortion experiences from women who responded to a small newspaper ad inviting submissions. How does he explain such widespread and profound pain and regret?



I want to ask Dr White to confirm that Tasmanian women can already access abortion-on-demand, without a GP’s referral, by getting the endorsement of two doctors, both working at any of the State’s abortion clinics? Given that I already know the answer is “yes,’ I’d like to ask Dr White if he believes the proposed legislation for Tasmania simply provides a safer legal environment for abortion clinics to expand their businesses.



I want to ask him how much an abortion costs and, based on the market potential, how much can abortion clinics make each year? I wan to ask Dr White if it's accurate to call an abortion facility a ''clinic'', given pregnancy is not a sickness or disease, and no one gets "healed'' as a result of the procedure.



Given his comments about abortion being “just another medical procedure’’, I want to ask Dr White to explain how unborn children are aborted at 24 weeks, and whether they feel pain, knowing full well they do. I want to ask Dr White at what age does an unborn child have a heartbeat, knowing that the answer is 28 days after conception.



I’d wait for his answer and then respond: “So, isn’t it true that almost all abortions stop a beating heart?”



I want to remind Dr White, and those who share his views, that they only get to express their opinion about the need for abortion because their mothers chose not to have one. It should be bleeding obvious, but I'm astounded at how easily those who have a life want to prevent others from having one, if the mother should so choose. It's all about choice, so long as you are the one with the choice.



But most of all, I want Australians to wake up to the far-reaching effects of abortion, and to get angry, really angry, so angry they do everything within their power to protect the unborn and defend women; to rail against the lies, the injustice and the heartlessness of a world gone mad.

Paul O'Rourke is a husband, father of three adult children and grandparent of four children. He is an advocate for children, writing and speaking widely on issues relating to children. He has authored five books, including Why Satan Hates our Kids: How Children are Suffering and Why the Church Should Care.


Texas turns the tide on human rights for the unborn

Posted on Blog · July 18, 2013 10:00 AM
There has been a big win this week for the human rights of the unborn with new laws protecting unborn babies and their mothers passed in Texas, USA.



A bill regulating abortions was passed convincingly in the Texas lower house last Wednesday by  96-49 votes, and on Friday passed in the Senate 19 votes to 11. This comes after it failed to pass last month because of a filibuster and angry protests by pro-abortion activists. The passing of the bill now makes Texas one of the safest places for unborn babies and their mothers.



The new laws mean that:

a) Most abortions on unborn children will be banned after 20 weeks of pregnancy, at which point scientific evidence shows babies can feel pain. An exception to this ban is granted when it is to protect the life and medical health of the mother or when the child has a "severe fetal abnormality."



b) Safety standards at Texas abortion clinics will increase to the level of ambulatory surgical centres (ASCs), of which there are 420 in Texas, including six that conduct abortions. This would treat abortion facilities in the same manner as other ambulatory care facilities.



c) Doctors who perform abortions will have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of their clinic to treat life-threatening complications after botched abortions.



d) A woman's access to abortion-inducing pills will be limited by requiring the 18,000 RU-486 abortions performed each year in the state be conducted according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) safety standards.



This ensures a physician has greater oversight over their administration, improving safety for the mother. In the US, eight women have died from bacterial infections following an RU-486 chemical abortion administered to an off-label protocol. No women have died from such infections when following the FDA-approved protocol.



Whilst it would have been ideal if the law changes had gone further,  the Texas measures at least acknowledge the dangers to women of the R-486 drug and seek to redress this to some extent.



The regulation of abortion clinics as outlined in the new laws is a measure that would effectively make them safer by allowing, for instance, for medical transportation in the event of emergencies. A woman who went to convicted US abortionist Kermit Gosnell for the procedure died after her heart stopped beating on the operating table. Her life may have been saved if the doors of Gosnell's clinic had not been locked and the hallways were wide enough to facilitate the gurney needed to transport her to a hospital by ambulance.



The Texas abortion law reform follows similar changes in the state of Virginia earlier this year which, passed regulations to strictly monitor abortion clinics and ensure abortion providers meet the latest standards set for newly constructed hospitals.



While pro-abortion activists claim that the new laws would force most abortion clinics across the state to shut, those in support of the new legislation argue that the bill is necessary to ensure women’s health is protected and foetuses are kept from feeling pain.



A recent HuffPost/YouGov poll shows 59 per cent of Americans would favour a federal law banning most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy, and almost half believe abortion to be morally wrong.

Registrations now open for Real Choices Australia's abortion symposium

Posted on Blog · June 11, 2013 10:00 AM
Real Choices Australia invites you to attend its abortion symposium on Ideology and the practice of informed consent.



Keynote speakers include:



  • Dr. Priscilla Coleman, Professor of Human Development and Family Studies at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, USA


  • Dr. Andre Schultz, Paediatrician and Respiratory Physician at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, and Clinical Senior Lecturer at the School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia




Both will present the evidence of harm from abortion, specifically related to pre-term birth, mental health and the use of the abortion pill RU486.



Early bird registrations are now open.



The event will be held in Melbourne on Friday 11 October from 9am - 4pm.



For more information and to register, please visit the Real Choices Australia website.

In the media - a wrap up of the last week's commentary

Posted on Blog · May 02, 2013 10:00 AM
In the last week, the ACL has been quoted in the media issues such subsidising the abortion drug RU486, same-sex marriage referendum, Tasmanian elections, and a Foxtel billboard advertisement depicting bestiality. ACL's Jim Wallace and Lyle Shelton were also interviewed by Leigh Hatcher on Open House. See below for links to mentions in the media.



Listen to the interview with Jim Wallace and Lyle Shelton on Open House by clicking this link. They speak about leadership changes at the ACL.



On subsidising abortion drug RU486:



  • SBS - RU486 drug 'won't lead to more abortions'


  • The Australian - Abortion pill poised for taxpayer subsidy


  • Herald Sun - Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee recommends abortion drug RU486 to PBS


  • Sydney Morning Herald - Decision could cut 'abortion pill' from $350 to $12


  • ABC Radio Australia - Abortion drug recommended to join PBS 


  • Herald Sun - Abortion drug RU486 to be added to scheme


  • SBS - Abortion pill to be added to PBS


  • The Australian - Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee recommends abortion drug RU486 to PBS


  • The West Australian - Abortion drug from just $12


  • International Business Times - Recommendation By Drugs Benefits Committee Could Bring Down Price of Abortion Pil to Just $12 from $350




On a proposed same-sex marriage referendum:



  • Sydney Morning Herald - Christian groups welcome gay marriage referendum


  • Sydney Morning Herald - Nile demands straight talk on gay union poll 


  • The Australian - Labor, Libs baulk at call for vote on gay marriage 


  • North Queensland Register - Christian groups welcome gay marriage referendum


  • Ecumenical News - Australian Muslim, Christian groups unite on gay marriage referendum


  • The Daily Advertiser - Muslims join Christians on gay marriage referendum call




On ACL candidate questionnaire for Saturday's Tasmanian election:



  • The Advocate - Candidate questionnaire 'could be a vote swinger'




On a Foxtel billboard advertisement:



  • 7 News - Bestiality billboard pulled after outrage 


  • Sydney Morning Herald - 'Appalling taste': Foxtel to remove bestiality billboard


  • ABC News - Christian lobby urges fines for bestiality billboard



MR: ACL urges Government to reject subsidy of abortion drug RU486

Posted on Blog · April 26, 2013 10:00 AM
MEDIA RELEASE



Friday, 26th April 2013



The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) has urged the government to reject the recommendation of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to publically fund abortion drug RU486.



ACL spokesperson Wendy Francis said subsidising the controversial drug - a recommendation likely to be made by PBAC today - ignores the human rights of the unborn and the adverse effects this chemical has on women.



“ACL calls on the Health Minister, Tanya Plibersek, to reject the advice of PBAC. It is the duty of our government to protect the most vulnerable, and to protect women from potential harm. Subsidising RU486 does the exact opposite,” she said.



“Taxpayer funding of this means everyone who does not support abortion has their freedom of conscience trampled upon by making them complicit in abortion.



“The government should not force those who do not agree with abortion to help pay for it. There are question marks over the health impacts on women.



“Let’s not forget that in 2010, a Melbourne woman tragically died from infection after taking RU486.



“The Therapeutic Goods Administration told the Senate last year that since 2006 there had been 832 adverse impacts on women as a result of RU486 with 599 of these women requiring surgery to remove a poisoned embryo,” she said.



It is understood that this represents about five per cent of cases of the drug use.



“Women facing unsupported pregnancies should be offered real support – not a chemical which is harmful to both them and their unborn child,” Ms Francis said.



It’s understood public funding of the drug would make it available for around $12, much less than the current cost of $300.



The drug was approved in 2006, and the Therapeutic Drugs Administration (TGA) last year approved its importation into Australia.



ENDS

In the media - a wrap up of the last week's commentary

Posted on Blog · April 25, 2013 10:00 AM
In the last week, the ACL has been quoted in the media issues such as marriage, abortion legislation in Tasmania, and the abortion drug RU486. See below for links to mentions in the media.



On abortion legislation in Tasmania:



  • The Mercury - Abortion rate '1200 a year'




On marriage:



  • Adelaide Now, The Age, The Australian - Gillard, Abbott unmoved on gay marriage


  • Gold Coast Bulletin News - NZ gay marriage law sparks debate in Qld


  • 96Five radio interview with ACL's Wendy Francis




On RU486:



  • The Australian - Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee set to recommend abortion drug RU486


  • The Australian - Abortion pill costs may fall: reports


  • ABC News - Decision on abortion drug listing due today



NT Director Letter to Supporters - April 2013

Posted on Blog · April 14, 2013 10:00 AM
The Northern Territory Director Yvonne Pratt’s letter to supporters in the territory is now available online.



The year is passing us by so quickly. It wasn’t long ago when Terry Mills addressed about 180 Christians before the Territory election at ACL’s Make it Count event. Mr Mills and the Country Liberal Party (CLP) won that election. After six months into his role Mr Mills was forced out of leadership while conducting a gas deal in Japan. 



Click here to continue reading.

NT Director Letter to Supporters - February 2013

Posted on Blog · February 11, 2013 11:00 AM
The Northern Territory Director Yvonne Pratt's letter to supporters in the territory is now available online.



I would like to introduce myself as the new NT Director. I have lived in the Territory for eight and a half years after travelling Australia with my family. I had previously lived in Mullumbimby, NSW and along with my husband of 28 years managed our family business there and have since worked in administration and tutoring in public schools since moving to Darwin. 



I hope together we can help make a positive difference to the legislation of the wonderful Territory we call home. 



Click here to continue reading.

In the media - a wrap up of the last week's commentary

Posted on Blog · February 06, 2013 11:00 AM
In the last week, the ACL has been quoted in the media on issues such as Tasmania's discussion paper on euthanasia, and publicly funding the abortion pill, RU486. See below for links to mentions in the media.



On RU486:



  • The International News Magazine - Preparations underway to publicly fund abortion drug RU486




On euthanasia:



  • Managing Director Jim Wallace was interviewed by Leon Compton, ABC Hobart. Listen here


  • ABC News - Death bill bid for 2013


  • The Examiner - Wightman torn over euthanasia


  • The Australian and WA Today - Tas euthanasia paper attracts criticism



MR: Preparations underway to publically fund abortion drug RU486

Posted on Blog · February 01, 2013 11:00 AM
MEDIA RELEASE



For release: Friday, February 1, 2013



The Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) has called on the government not to subsidise the chemical abortion drug RU486.



It was confirmed this week that a meeting of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Commission in March would determine whether to publically fund RU486. This would make the drug available for around $12, much less than the current cost of $300.



The drug was approved in 2006, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) last year approved the importation of the drug by MS Health, a subsidiary of Marie Stopes International, the group now pushing for public funding.



ACL’s spokesperson Wendy Francis is concerned that the government is ignoring the rights of the unborn, as well as the mental health consequences of abortion for women.



“RU 486 is just another way of aborting babies. Ms Plibersek’s comments welcoming public funding and a wider availability of this abortion-inducing drug are deeply concerning,” Ms Francis said.



“Last year, Ms Plibersek made a speech at an event held by the Parliamentary Group on Population and Development, a group holding extreme views about aborting the disabled to save money from the disability services budget,” Ms Francis said.



Not only is the ACL opposed to RU486 because it destroys an innocent life, it is also opposed on the grounds of its potential harm to women.



“Studies into the effects of the abortion pill show that it is a more dangerous option than a surgical abortion. Let’s not forget that in 2010, a Melbourne woman tragically died after taking RU486,” Ms Francis said.



In 2011, The Australian newspaper published an article focused on a study confirming the harmful effects of the drug. In addition, the TGA said in response to Senate Estimates questions that there had been over 800 “adverse events” since the approval of the drug, including nearly 600 which required surgery to remove the poisoned embryo after the drug had failed to induce a miscarriage.



“Women facing unwanted pregnancies should be offered real support – not a chemical which is harmful both to them and their unborn child,” Ms Francis said.






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