PHPA calls out RANZCOG for misleading statements on SA Bill for later abortion restrictions

Pro-life Health Professionals Australia (PHPA) are concerned that the statement by RANZCOG regarding the legislation currently before the South Australian Parliament on later abortions, misleads the public to oppose MLC Sarah Game’s proposed amendment of the current Termination of Pregnancy Act 2021.

Asserting that “abortion is essential healthcare” is an attempt to obscure the fact that intentionally ending the life of the in-utero patient, when the baby can survive outside their mothers, in cases where there is no maternal medical emergency, cannot be ethically defended.

Dr Melissa Lai, senior Neonatologist and President of PHPA reminds RANZCOG that “stating that these decisions must not be dictated by political intervention, fails to acknowledge that this practice was facilitated by politicians in 2021, when all legislative protection of in-utero infants was removed”.

“At the time the media reports focused on the decriminalisation of abortion, but inadequately informed the public that termination of pregnancy was now available throughout all 9 months with few safeguards,” Dr Lai said.

“RANZCOG misleadingly states that the 2024 South Australian Annual Report of 48 infants terminated after 22 weeks and 6 days were due to a life-limiting condition of the fetus or to save the life of the mother. If you look closely at the table they’re referring to, it states only 16 of the 48 infants were terminated for fetal anomaly or to save the life of the mother, meaning more than 60% were normally developed.” “At 25 weeks, after which this Bill seeks to restrict this practice, survival of normal infants is over 82% in a neonatal intensive care. RANZCOG have not provided any sound justification why these infants need to die,” Dr Lai said.

Using the reason that this is already a distressing time and that this Bill would increase distress and delays is disingenuous, as parents who are given the option to terminate their pregnancy are often distressed with the suggestion. This brings into question whether this option should be offered at all, if it causes that much maternal distress. Reports of families feeling pressured by healthcare providers to electively terminate their pregnancies, and the negative psychological impacts of this experience, would be minimised by this Bill.

Thousands are expected to rally next Wednesday night (17th June) at 5.30pm, outside Parliament of South Australia in support of the amendment Bill, at the time it will be debated.

DETAILS:
Event: Rally against abortion for babies who can survive
Location: Outside Parliament of South Australia, North Terrace, Adelaide
Date: Wednesday 17 June
Time: 5.30pm - 6.30pm

PHPA Calls Outs Misleading Statements against Pro-Life Bill Made by Pro-Abortion Medical Bodies - The Daily Declaration

DOWNLOAD MEDIA RELEASE

South Australian Termination of Pregnancy Act 2021

MLC Sarah Game Termination of Pregnancy (Restrictions on Terminations after 24 Weeks and 6 Days) Amendment Bill 2026

PHPA's Briefing Note for MPs regarding the Amendment Bill

RANZCOG Statement regarding the Amendment Bill