Abortion ruling a step backwards, say New Zealand Catholic Bishops

The New Zealand Catholic bishops are very disappointed at the Court of Appeal decision which upheld a High Court ruling that unborn children do not have a right to life.

The decision comes about after pro life group Right to Life appealed a 2008 ruling by Justice Miller that the right to life does not extend to foetuses.

Spokesperson for the Catholic bishops, Fr Michael McCabe, says it is a very sad day for the unborn children in our community.

“The right to life is fundamental and is the foundation of any just and moral society,” said Fr McCabe. “Every year more than 17,000 young New Zealanders die because we do not accord them this right.”

“People on both sides of the abortion debate agree that there is an urgent need to reduce the number of abortions. This latest legal decision is a step backwards in finding common ground for the good of the unborn and their parents”.