Brisbane’s Mater Hospital has recently come under attack because it doesn’t carry out abortions.
A couple who were planning to have a baby at the hospital suddenly decided to end the pregnancy after being informed the baby was at serious risk of being born with a genetic abnormality.
They were upset they couldn’t have the procedure at the Mater.
Queensland Director of the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL), Rob Norman, stated: “It is deeply troubling that a faith-based institution like the Mater is being criticised for adhering to its longstanding Christian principles.”
“THIS ISN’T ABOUT ACCESS. IT’S ABOUT SILENCING OPPOSITION TO ABORTION”
“Established by the Sisters of Mercy, the Mater has distinguished itself by serving generations of Queenslanders, providing top-tier healthcare rooted in a dedication to protecting human life.”
“The Mater’s policy of not participating in abortion is not unusual.”
“It reflects the deeply held beliefs of a Catholic institution within a free and diverse society. These beliefs are not hidden. They are fundamental to its mission.”
He declared: “This isn’t about access to services. Abortion is readily available in Brisbane,”
“It’s about silencing opposition and demanding uniform moral judgments in medicine.”
“IT’S PART OF THE IDEOLOGICAL ARGUMENT THAT GOES WITH SHUTTING DOWN PRO-LIFE INSTITUTIONS”
“What we see here is an example of an intolerant effort to pressure Christian institutions into adopting an increasingly radical and secular worldview,” observed Mr. Norman.
He told Vision Radio: “When left-wing newspapers and news agencies start reporting in this way, it’s part of the totalitarian argument that goes with shutting down these organisations.”
“The Mater Hospital is standing on its position of faith and it’s coming up for a lot of criticism.”
“So we should be very worried about this because the next step to this is where the government starts intervening.”
“We’ve actually run a campaign where we’ve encouraged people to write to the Mater Hospital and thank them for their stand against abortion.”
QUEENSLAND GAG ORDER BLOCKS CALL TO REVIEW CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTION LAWS
Mr Norman revealed: “We’re also calling on the Queensland government to strengthen conscientious objection rules for medical practitioners and institutions.”
“Currently there is a requirement under the Termination of Pregnancy Act for health professionals who are conscientious objectors, to refer their patient to someone or to some other agency that would most likely perform the procedure.”
“We believe that is a violation of the conscience of those medical professionals and that they should not have anything to do with something that they don’t agree with, so that whole area needs to be re-examined.”
“Under the current Queensland regime that’s not even possible because we have a gag order in place.”
“The Premier has essentially introduced a motion that prevents any discussion of the Termination of Pregnancy Act in Parliament, at least for this term of Parliament.”
PRO-LIFE GROUP SUPPORTS ACL VIEW
Hannah Newton writes for Cherish Life: “While we acknowledge the heartbreak and grief experienced by families facing complex pre-natal diagnosis, the answer is not to force an institution to participate in abortions against their conscience.”
“True compassion and freedom allows space for faith-based care.”
“Let’s be clear: the Mater has every right to uphold its Catholic values — values which are transparently communicated and long-standing.”
“This is not a failure of care, but a demonstration of ethical values.”
“To demand that a Catholic hospital abandon its convictions to appease public pressure is nothing short of an assault on religious freedom.”
RESPONSE TO PUBLIC FUNDING OF MATER HOSPITAL ARGUMENT
Ms. Newton responds to critics who say that Mater’s receipt of public funding should force it to provide abortion services, by pointing out taxpayers also pay for abortion providers.
“Children by Choice, a vocal abortion group and provider, received over $8 million in taxpayer funding last year alone (to be allocated across 4 years).”
“MSI Australia, one of the largest abortion providers in the country, has also received substantial government funding.”
“Many Australians, particularly those of faith or with pro-life convictions, strongly disagree with the ethos and practices of these organisations — yet our tax dollars fund them.”
“Funding does not equal ideological endorsement.”
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