Parents with children with Down syndrome launch major campaign calling on MPs to vote NO to introducing abortion up-to-birth for New Zealand babies with Down syndrome this week.
The Downright Discrimination NZ campaign has been launched ahead of committee stage of the Abortion Legislation Bill which is expected to take place this week.
Many families raised concerns in submissions to the Abortion Select Committee, that the Abortion Legislation Bill would remove the current 20-week time limit for disability-selective abortion and allow for abortion up-to-birth for babies with Down syndrome. They called for changes to be made to the Bill to ensure that this discriminatory change to the law was not introduced. These concerns were totally ignored by the Committee.
The Abortion Legislation Committee made it clear in their final report (page 28) that they opted to keep this post-20-weeks provision in place in the Bill as they had been told by abortion providers that the majority of abortions that would happen between 20-weeks and birth would be for ‘fetal anomalies’ ie babies with disabilities such as Down syndrome.
“Already the majority of babies in New Zealand diagnosed with Down syndrome are screened out by termination. Removing the 20-week time limit for babies with disabilities and introducing abortion up to birth for Down syndrome would have a very large impact on the already small community of people with Down syndrome in NZ.” said Helen Morton-Jones, mum to Gabriel who has Down syndrome
“Oscar is one of 4 boys. Along with his other brothers, he brings much joy and love to his family and is living life to the full. His life is no less worthy and is just as beautiful as those of his brothers. We wouldn’t be without him. If you want to stand against disability discrimination, please email your MP today asking to vote NO.” said Pip Smyth, mum to Oscar who has Down syndrome.
“Having Down syndrome does not define our son, his values and principles he lives by each day is what defines him. His contribution and service to the community is invaluable and appreciated and should not be diminished.” said Bridget Snedden, mother to Alex who has Down syndrome
