Abortion in the Media

Mr. Brumby has betrayed families, stolen the rights of parents and is providing abortions to underage children.

It is apalling that Mr. Brunby and his pro abortion supporters have now made it possible for girls under the age of 18 to have abortions without the consent or even knowledge of their parents.

An article by the Herald Sun reveals an alarming figure - that more than 3,350 young women under 20 years of age had abortions in Victoria last year - nine each day.  The article states "The shocking number of unwanted pregnancies included 209 abortions performed on girls under 16, several without their parents' knowledge. At least two 12-year-olds had terminations".

It is a great concern that these girls may also not have the advice, resources and support to make an informed decision regarding their pregnancy. Negative attitudes in society about teenagers having babies would make a decision to keep their unborn baby very difficult. There is also an increased likelihood of coercion to abort due to the mother (and perhaps her partner) being so young. It is deceptive to inform a girl that things go back to how they were before or that she can replace this baby with another when she is older. Research shows the damage abortion does to women, psychologically and physically here - at such an impressionable age, there is potential for years of grief and regret.

Bizarrely, youths under the age of 18 must have parental consent to have piercings done, but not to abort an unborn baby. Access to abortion under the age of 18 without parental consent also raises issues of child protection, mandatory reporting and potentially offers offenders protection from prosecution for crimes such as incest and sexual child abuse.

This is unacceptable legislation. We, as parents, deserve better and our kids deserve protection that Brumby is unwilling to offer them.

The push for sex education in schools continues by many who seem to have a conflict of interest in that they work for agencies that also provide abortions. As parents we need to be aware of who is teaching our children (or supplying program material to teachers) and what they are being taught about sex.

According to an article in The Herald Sun, Ms. Richards, nursing director at one of the state's busiest private abortion clinics (the clinic is unnamed in the article), "many young women lacked skills to help them negotiate with partners and were frequently forced or persuaded to have sex against their will". She reportedly asked  'Did you agree to this?' and according to this source, the girls commonly responded, 'Well ... yes. I didn't really want to, but I didn't know how to say no'. The Herald Sun also reported that 'A survey recently revealed a third of high school students have had unwanted sex' (details of this survey were not included).

It is a great concern that the girls described in this situation may also not have the advice, resources and support to make an informed and mature decision regarding their pregnancy. Negative attitudes in society about teenagers having babies would make a decision to keep their unborn baby very difficult. There is also an increased likelihood of coercion to abort due to the mother (and perhaps her partner) being so young.
 
It is deceptive to inform a girl that things go back to how they were before or that she can replace this baby with another when she is older. Research shows the damage abortion does to women, psychologically and physically - at such an impressionable age, there is potential for years of grief and regret.

The Herald Sun article goes on to say that more sex education is needed in schools and that youth are unaware of the risks involved with having sex.  We would all hope that the relentless push for sex education is aimed at better guiding our youth in responsible decision making regarding their sexual behaviour, an important role that would ideally be filled by parents.

Life Network Australia has responded here to negative reporting of values based programs, such as 'Choices, Decisions, Outcomes'  (Real Choices Australia) and The Wonder of Life (In the Womb) (Choices of Life) that unashamedly encourage girls and youth to value themselves and respect their bodies.

Deb Garratt of Real Choices Australia described that "They (parents) want their children to understand their value and worth, to have self respect and to understand sexuality as an important and valuable aspect of themselves, not simply a ‘recreational’ activity". 

Ms. Garratt also stated that "our program teaches young people that, as with any other activity they may not want to participate in, that they can develop strategies for saying ‘no’. Sex is not just about physiology, it is also about relationship, and about our emotional selves. Teaching the physiology of sex in the absence of a relationship context, and in the absence of also teaching about possible consequences, is both irresponsible and dishonest".

"What it (our program) does is encourage young people to be critical thinkers, to think ahead to the consequences of their actions, and these consequences do include the possibility of pregnancy and of sexually transmitted infections, some of which are lifelong diseases, not just a short lived ‘love bug’".

'The Wonder of life (Before Birth)' was removed from the list of programs approved by the NSW Education Department when The Sydney Morning Herald published an article citing its creator, Bruce Coleman, had historic links to pro life groups. What is bizarre about the removal of this program is that it is merely footage and discussion of life in the womb. One would think this would already be part of all school curriculums.

According to the Herald Sun article (Nov. 21), the Federal Government is devising national sex education curriculum for primary and secondary schools.

We should be concerned that groups who benefit financially, such as Marie Stopes, Family Planning, Children by Choice, etcetera  are increasingly being allowed into Australian schools and are becoming the "sexperts" in the lives of our youth. With the decriminalising of abortion in Victoria last year, girls under the age of 18 are now able to get abortions without parental consent/knowledge....could the abortion industry be increasing their education campaign to increase business?  According to the Herald Sun article, "The number of under-age girls ending pregnancies came despite a drop in the total number of terminations last year" and "State Government data shows 16,084 Victorian women had terminations in 2008-09 - a 12 per cent dip since 2005-06".

While some may question this  planning/scheming and believe that the intentions of most sex educators are genuine, this awful scenario has been documented in the United States where the aim of Planned Parenthood was to provide every girl between the ages of 13 and 18 years with three abortions. Please view trailer Blood Money.

As parents and as a society we must ensure the protection of our youth, offering appropriate information, guidance and support. Sex education by groups who also offer abortion services is not acceptable. Our youth deserve better!

A GROWING number of induced babies are born alive following failed late-term abortions.

New Queensland Health figures show 19 babies were aborted at 20 weeks or more in 2007, but rather than dying at birth as intended, the newborns were able to breathe unaided.

The babies, some as advanced as 26 weeks, were aborted using drugs to induce labour. Once born, no medical help was offered and they died soon afterwards.

Former Queensland Health obstetrician Dr Caroline de Costa, now a professor at James Cook University in Cairns, said it was extremely distressing for parents and medical staff when terminations went wrong .

"If babies are born alive after this they are likely to die within a few minutes, although it can take up to half an hour," she said.

"We can only keep them wrapped up warm. It is up to the parents whether they want to see the child."

The figures - obtained under the Freedom of Information Act - reveal one in four abortions performed at 20 weeks and more went wrong in 2007, up 20 per cent on 2003.

The number of abortions carried out at 20 weeks and more is also increasing, up from 27 in 2003 to 75 in 2007. Medicare funds terminations up to 26 weeks.

In the same five-year period, there were 55 babies born alive after a termination procedure and not given medical treatment.

Ninety per cent of the 2007 terminations were due to congenital abnormalities.
Some were life-threatening, but they also included cleft palates and club feet.

Tory Shepherd ('Abortion is an entirely legal right', The Advertiser, Sunday Mail, November 3, 2009) has demonstrated a lack of knowledge and research in the article (poorly) aimed at promoting the availability of abortion.
 
She makes the gross understatement that "ABORTION is not a good thing". In fact, abortion is a terrible, destructive, heart wrenching thing that leaves a fatality (baby), and often a grieving mother and sometimes family.

A health nurse from a NSW country town (who wishes to stay anonymous) stated that "With barely an exception, just about every  woman or girl who has had an abortion, comes out from anaesthetic sobbing".

This scenario does not come close to the description of  abortion being "an entirely legal right that, on balance increases the sum of happiness in the world by allowing choice" made by Ms. Shepherd.

She strongly argues for the concept of "choice" for women, then in the very next sentence shoots down the option of adoption stating that "it is not the role of women to produce babies for other people." Shows such as 'Find my Family' have shown us the benefits of adoption, where parents and their offspring have the opportunity to reconnect when situations change and improve - so much better than the abortion of a baby.

Ms Shepherd also states that "Women - and girls - come to abortion usually as a last resort." However she seems to be unaware that abortion is often the 'choice' of a significant other, such as a boyfriend or parent -many women and girls feel they have insufficient information or options presented to them to make an informed decision. In 1992, feminist Germaine Greer described abortion as "the last in a long line of non-choices."

In one sense (but not intended) Ms Shepherd's statement that "More often it (abortion) has psychological implications because it takes place in a judgmental society" is true. Sadly our society has adopted negative stereotypes that label women as being "too old", "too young", "have too many children already", "wrong partner" etc. These judgements are unhelpful, adding pressure for women/girls in difficult situations, facing unplanned pregnancies.
 
At no time has Ms. Shepherd even mentioned the need for greater emotional and practical support for women.
 
Bizarrely, Ms Shepherd compares the loss of a baby with "treading on ants"!! Any mother, father and family who has experienced the grief of a miscarriage does mourn a tragic death, as do their supportive friends. Is it so surprising that post abortive women also describe feelings of grief and depression? It is "the end of a possibility of a life".
 
Ms. Shepherd goes on to say that "Most abortions happen because of poor timing" - women are strong, capable and often underestimate their ability to thrive despite difficult circumstances. Unexpected timing (negative stereotyping would call it "poor timing" ) does not have to end in the tragedy of abortion. Many, many women describe the joy of having children that were "unplanned". The abortion industry worldwide has thrived on women (and men) underestimating their parenting abilities.

Unhelpful, negative stereotyping continues in the article... "Abortions are not the exclusive domain of reckless teenagers" and  "Mistakes happen at any age". Women of all ages deserve support and better options than abortion.
 
Statements such as "A significant number also happen because the pregnancy is a result of violence, or mental health problems" and "Some women - particularly young women and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds - just do not know enough about contraception" are also degrading to women, showing harsh judgement and a lack of compassion. 

Feminists for Life conducted research showing that in many cases of rape, women felt abortion was like a "second rape" and was often more traumatic than the original rape. Women in these challenging circumstances deserve better.
 
From there, Ms Shepherd begins speculating ...."They may live in a country town where it's embarrassing to buy condoms. They may not feel confident talking to parents or doctors about contraception." and "They may not be getting the information they need at school".  School programs such as 'Choices, Decisions, Outcomes' and 'Choices of Life' encourage wholesome values and principles (based on self respect), but are not as supported by various Australian Education Departments, who seem to prefer programs run by groups such as Family Planning, Marie Stopes and Children by Choice, all of whom are profitable abortion providers. Perhaps that is why it is "the very same people who squeal about comprehensive sex education in schools who are outraged by terminations".
 
The article seems to change tone from arguing for abortion and making harsh judgements, to stating that "our international students are having far too many abortions" and "This cannot be a pleasant experience for them. We need to work out how to bring that rate down" . ..."What rabid hypocrisy" ??
 
Ms Shepherd speculates again, stating that "many of whom are from countries where sex education is practically non-existent, that (abortion) rate could start to rise again".

"The rates of abortion have been decreasing in South Australia for the past decade. It's unlikely that people are having less sex. Chances are there are fewer abortions because there is better education" or could it be because abortions are not accurately recorded? The lack of transparency of Health Departments regarding abortion statistics makes it hard to draw any conclusions. We do know that the (surgical) abortion rate of Australia is equivalent to aborting the population of Adelaide in 10 years!

Ms. Shepherd's 'CONCEPTIONS AND MIS- CONCEPTIONS'  .

Q: Does abortion cause future fertility problems?
A: Very rarely. Most women immediately return to their pre-pregnancy fertility level.
The Truth about abortion is here.
A comprehensive evaluation of over 160 recently published research papers on aspects of abortion relating to women’s health and wellbeing revealed a long list of abortion-related physical and psychological risks.

Physical risks:

• There appear to be more deaths from all causes, including suicide and homicide, after abortion, compared with childbirth.
• Abortion is associated with a variety of significant physical risks, including premature delivery, infection (which may lead to infertility, particularly in the presence of genital infection), uterine perforation, placenta previa, and possibly miscarriage and low birth weight in future pregnancies.

Q: Does abortion cause emotional harm?
A: In some women, but most women have no long-lasting psychological consequences. Most women experience either benign or positive emotional consequences.
Truth:  Psychological harm:
Abortion results in short-term relief for most women, usually accompanied by negative emotions. Such relief tends to be transient.

• Ten to twenty percent of women suffer from severe negative psychological complications after abortion.
• Many more women experience emotional distress shortly after an abortion including sadness, loneliness, shame, guilt, grief, doubt and regret.
• Depression and anxiety are experienced by substantial numbers of women after abortion.
• Abortion triggers Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in a small proportion of women.
• After abortion women have an increased risk of psychiatric problems.
• Women who have experienced abortion have an increased risk of substance abuse and self-harm particularly during a subsequent pregnancy.
• Abortion for foetal disability is particularly traumatic and can be psychologically damaging for women.
• Chemical abortion may have additional impacts on women’s psychological wellbeing.
 
The report also identified factors that put women at increased risk of psychological harm from abortion: for example, a lack of emotional and social support, ambivalence and difficulty making the decision to abort, relationship violence, and a history of psychiatric illness. This report can be purchased through Women’s Forum Australia.
 
Further information about the after affects of abortion can be found here.

Q: Does abortion cause breast cancer?
A: No. Some groups have tried to promote a link, but there is no evidence for this and the claim can cause unnecessary distress.
Truth:
MaterCare International state that: 
"Women have a basic right to know of this increased risk of breast cancer and it is unacceptable that the information should be denied to them by the medical and cancer research  establishments. MaterCare International as an organisation of women's health specialists  recognies its responsibilities in this matter and will do all it can to publish this evidence."

Medical Groups Recognizing Link

A list of medical organizations recognizing a link between abortion and breast cancer.

Q: Is adoption better than abortion?
A: It is a matter of choice, but is not the role of women to produce babies for other people.
Truth:
"Adoption arrangements are made focusing on the child’s best interests. This means that a priority is given to the family that best suits the child" (Gov. of S.A. information about adoption here).

Adoption is a far better option for the baby, to avoid risks to the mother (as previously discussed) and for the adoptive family. There are many more couples and families wanting to adopt than babies available for adoption.

Ms Shepherd's ArticleSource: The State Government's Pregnancy Advisory Centre. 
 
Ms Shepherd has presented the  misinformation, inconsistencies, judgements and negative stereotyping that have become the trademarks of the pro abortion lobby, used to undermined the abilities and confidence of women and parents. Women, their babies and families deserve better than abortion, they require and deserve positive support, information and genuine options.

Life Network Australia Inc.
www.lifenetwork.org.au