Saving the endangered Kiwi
We have sadly heard the news that the Southern
District Health Board, after the Southlanders for Life
presentation at their Board Meeting, have approved
abortions in our hospital. Their decision is immensely
serious for all Southlanders.
There is evidence to suggest that unborn children
with Down syndrome (and other conditions such as
Spina Bifi da) are being systematically identifi ed and
targeted for elimination via the Ministry of Health’s
antenatal screening programme. The Ministry may
claim otherwise, but documents have been obtained
through the Offi cial Information Act that show that
this is certainly a purpose of the screening programme.
Mothers who have undergone routine antenatal testing
have come under pressure to abort their wanted babies
when test results identify the baby as having Down
syndrome or another condition such as Spina Bifi da.
The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC)
has decided to initiate a formal preliminary examination
into the Government’s screening programme. New
Zealand is signatory to the Rome Statute, under
which the ICC operates. The persecution of an
identifi able group of the civilian population through
birth prevention is prohibited under the Statute. Mr
Sullivan, the spokesperson for Saving Downs, welcomes
the Prosecutor’s decision as an unprecedented step
towards according the proper respect towards the
lives of people with Down syndrome, Spina Bifi da and
other conditions. “Such people live awesome lives, are
loved members of their families and communities and
should be afforded the full protection of International
Law on an equal basis with all.” Further information
www.savingdowns.com