Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

Grace and peace I hope that this note finds you well.

I would like to take a little of your time to speak of a very important issue that you may not be fully aware of and which requires urgent action on the part of our Catholic community.  

A Bill entitled Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2020 is now before the SA Legislative Council, and it is the intention of the Deputy Premier that it be passed by both Houses of Parliament before the end of the year.   

Unlike the current legislation, this Bill allows for abortion up until birth. There is no protection for a viable baby who would otherwise be delivered alive, other than requiring the consent of two doctors.

At a time when babies delivered from around 22 weeks have a very high chance of survival and enormous resources are rightfully put into their care, it is hard to fathom how anyone could justify late-term abortions.

To legislate for abortions up until birth shows a total disregard for the rights, and future, of the unborn child. It sends a disturbing message to the community about the value of some lives over others.

The Bill also allows abortions up to 22 weeks to be carried out with the consent of only one medical practitioner, including via tele-medicine in regional areas. There are concerns this will make vulnerable women more susceptible to social and economic coercion and compromise women’s health.

I strongly encourage you to contact your local MP, urging them to use their conscience vote to reject this ill-conceived Bill.   

The first and most important duty of the Parliament is to protect the life of its citizens. We need to remind them of this.

As followers of Christ, we are called to offer our deepest compassion for women struggling with such a difficult decision and to offer our ongoing support to them. However, we believe life to be a gift of God, to be cherished and revered, at every stage of life.

At moments such as these, Jesus’ words, “I have come that you might have life and have it to the full echo in our hearts.” (John 10:10)

Please join me in praying for the defeat of this Bill.   

With renewed thanks and asking God’s continued blessing for you and your communities.

In Domino,
Patrick O'Regan
Archbishop of Adelaide