Apricots, Advocacy, and a Legacy Shaping a Nation’s Pro-Life Voice
Bottling apricots as a farmer’s wife and helping pioneer the largest and oldest pro-life movement in New Zealand may seem like an unlikely combination. Yet for Carmel Armstrong, this was her reality in the early 1970s.
Carmel’s journey into pro-life advocacy did not begin with politics or public platforms, like it did for her brother, former prime minister Jim Bolger, but with care — care born from her background as a nurse and midwife, and from a deep concern for both mothers and babies. It was this professional and personal conviction that stirred her heart when she heard news that an abortion clinic was opening in New Zealand.
“It really upset me.”
That concern quickly became action.
In 1974, when an abortion clinic opened in Auckland, Carmel sent a telegram to then Prime Minister Norman Kirk, expressing her alarm for the wellbeing of women and unborn children. She received a reply acknowledging that he too was “concerned”.
What began as a deeply personal response soon grew into nearly five decades of faithful service.
Building the Foundations
Carmel became involved with Voice For Life (then known as the Society for the Protection of the Unborn Child – SPUC) around 1971, joining the newly established Timaru branch. Over time, she became the backbone of the movement in South Canterbury, serving tirelessly for many years.
Her leadership extended nationally. Carmel served as president of the organisation, member of the national committee, contributor to Pregnancy Help and a trusted voice within churches, schools, and communities.
And at times, having Carmel’s brother being prime minister Jim Bolger available for political intelligence helped - there were occasions where she called her brother for advice while she was leading the organisation.
Friend and former Timaru branch treasurer Patricia Goodwin says as a leader and motivator, Carmel was held in high esteem by other branches and the national executive.
“Carmel was a very good communicator and was never at a loss for words when defending her pro-life beliefs and the development of the baby in the womb,” Patricia says.
“She spent many hours on the telephone at any time of day or night, as her family would confirm, we will never know how many women she supported and helped.”
Carmel travelled extensively across South and Mid Canterbury, speaking in secondary schools and churches, engaging thoughtfully and compassionately on pro-life issues. Her approach was never driven by anger, but by a firm belief in the dignity of human life.
“I worked really hard to get healthy mums and healthy babies.
Taking lives does not solve problems. You can work through most things.”
Conviction Rooted in Humanity
For Carmel, the issue was always clear.
“It was so obvious it was a human being. What else do you think it is? What else would it grow into?”
Her advocacy was grounded in the humanity of the unborn, and in the belief that women deserve support, not harm. She believed many abortions could be prevented through honest conversation, education, and compassion.
“I always thought it would just take talking to some people… Some people gave their baby up for adoption instead.”
Over the years, Carmel spoke with countless people — some deeply regretful, others firmly convinced of their views. Through it all, she remained steadfast, respectful, and hopeful.
A Lifetime of Service Recognised
Carmel’s involvement with Voice For Life spanned nearly 50 years, from the early 1970s through to around 2020.
Now aged 92, her dedication has not gone unnoticed. In 2015, she was awarded the Papal Medal, and in October last year she received the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice Cross — the highest honour the Roman Catholic Church can bestow upon a lay person, recognising distinguished service to the Church and society.
While Carmel is Catholic, she has always said her motivation came not only from faith, but from her professional understanding of life, growth, and care.
A Hope for the Future
When asked about her hope for New Zealand, Carmel’s answer remains simple and unwavering:
“My hope is that one day we will see no babies getting killed.
A baby is a baby human. They should be held. And allowed.”
Why This Work Matters
Carmel’s story reminds us that movements are not built only by speeches or headlines, but by ordinary people with extraordinary faithfulness — people willing to act, to speak, and to stand when it matters.
Today, we honour Carmel Armstrong — farmer’s wife, nurse, midwife, leader, and pioneer — and we give thanks for a life poured out in quiet courage, conviction, and compassion.
“It’s off of the legacy of people like Carmel that Voice For Life is making a difference to women, babies, families and communities in New Zealand,” Voice For Life president Lydia Posthuma says.