Events and Opportunities

A participant from the '40 Days for Life' campaign in Melbourne sent this in:

"WOW!! The Carlton (Berkeley St) abortion clinic is CLOSING DOWN from next week, N ovember 1. They have announced they are “relocating” their services to the existing abortion clinic in East Melbourne (Fertility Control Clinic) as the Doctor/owner is semi retiring. Great news!! 

It has been a blessing to hear of the many turnarounds over the last few months at this Carlton clinic during the peaceful prayerful presence from the Helpers. It’s now less than 2 weeks to go until this 40 Days for Life campaign ends - let’s multiply our efforts at the East Melbourne clinic as we pray for this one to shut down too!"

For information about joining Melbourne's '40 Days for Life' campaign (it finishes on November 6 for this year), click here. 

Other exciting news: Life News has reported that 361 mothers have changed their minds about abortion during the current 40 Days for Life campaign. Read more here.

The annual 'March for the Babies' was held last Saturday (Oct 10, 2011) in Melbourne. Life Network Australia wishes to congratulate the MFTB committee and chairman, Bernie Finn, on a fantastic and well organised day - as well as applaud those who came from near and far to participate. 

This year's March was held on the third anniversary of the passing of the most extreme abortion legislation in the western world - with babies now able to be legally aborted right up until birth (and some babies even being born alive and left to die - Vic Health Department Report). Legal protection for women and girls has also been removed through the rejection of amendments by the Brumby Government, in 2008.

Guest speakers at the march included: Bernie Finn, President of the 'March for the Babies' committee; Helen Parker, The Babes Project; Cindy Collins, U.S pro life activist - intimately involved in legislative changes supporting the rights of children before birth; Honourable Greg Smith MP SC, NSW Attorney-General;  Marlene Kairouz MP, Opposition Whip; and Michael Gidley Member for Mount Waverley.
Music was provided by an impressive Amy K!

The crowd at the march consisted of people of all ages, from babies through to the elderly, with lots of teenagers and young families. 

Please mark October 13 on your calendar for next year's march, as we continue to advocate for the unborn and their mothers and families. 

See footage and following pictures for a snap shot of the day.  

   

"Silence is the language of complicity...speaking out is the language of change" – anon

Have you heard about the abortion legislation in Victoria and thought how terrible it is? Have you heard the statistics and shaken your head in disbelief? Unfortunately, silence is not an option and we must all unite to see this legislation overturned and protection for babies and women reinstated.

Please convert your compassion into action and join us as we march peacefully in Melbourne on October 8, 2011 - the third anniversary of the barbaric Victorian abortion law reform.

Starts:  Corner Clarendon St & Wellington Parade, East Melbourne.

Finishes: Parliament House

Melways 2G C4

Melbourne, Australia

 

Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Date: Saturday, October 8, 2011.

Wear: Baby pink or/and blue.

For more information contact Gayle 0411 211 413 or email marchforthebabies@gmail.com  

The lives of more than 20,000 Victorian unborn babies and the welfare of their mothers and families depend on us.

If you are genuinely unable to join the March, please send Premier Ted Bailleu an email and politely inform him of your opposition to this legislation: http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/contact.html

If you are going to the march, you might like to double your efforts and also shoot him off an email...

See you there!! 

 

Bernie Finn will be speaking at a range of venues in early September to answer questions about the Victorian abortion legislation. Many people have heard the stories about what went down in Victorian Parliament in October 2008, but this is your opportunity to hear a first hand account from Bernie, who was present during the debate, the vote and the rejection of amendments.
Bernie will also outline what individuals and groups can do to overturn the legislation that he describes as "The most extreme abortion legislation in the western world".

Where Victorian Liberal MP Bernie Finn will be speaking:

Albury - September 5 at 7pm 
The Commercial Club,                                                   
618 Dean Street, Albury

Castlemaine - September 10 at 10am
Senior Citizen's Hall, Mechanics Lane.

Bendigo - September 10 at 2pm - 3pm
Holy Rosary Church,
New Parish Hall -
4 Hamelin Street, White Hills
Light refreshments provided.

Finley - September 10 at 7:30pm
Presbyterian Church, 
Denison Street, Finley, NSW.

Contact Sonja Couroupis
 sonja.couroupis@bigpond.com
 0428 313 931 (text or call).
             

Bernie Finn, Vic Lib MP.

Be moved to action – make abortion UNTHINKABLE!

We hope you will all join us in Brisbane for the Walk for Little Feet.
The event will be run by Right to Life Australia and will be held on Saturday, September 10, commencing at 1:30 pm. The walk will begin at the Dr. Marie (formerly Planned Parenthood) abortion 'clinic' at 8 Campbell St, Bowen Hills.

It is a 3.5 km walk to Spring Street abortion 'clinic' at 838 Wickham Tce, Spring Hill, where people can also join the walk there at 2:45pm.

The walk will then proceed to Parliament House, in the city (4kms) via the Kurilpa Bridge, Grey Street and the Goodwill Bridge. The walk concludes at 4:15 at Parliament House. 

*Placards are provided.

Contact Graham & Liz Preston (07) 3892 5349.

 

 Emily's List holds up abortion as a trophy of women's reproductive rights, espouses the rhetoric of "choice" and poses as an organisation fighting for equality of women. At first glance, why wouldn't any company jump at the opportunity to sponsor them? 
If, however, you look a little more closely, you may just see something more sinister.  
It was Emily List's, Candy Broad,  that initially tabled an abortion Bill that would legalise abortion up until birth - but it was put aside until after a federal election.
Emily List's Maxine Morand then retabled it.
It was her Emily's List colleagues, Joan Kirner, Jacinta Allan (Bendigo East) and others that argued passionately in support of the Bill.
When challenged on her support of the legislation, during the last Victorian election, Ms Allan refused to comment. Her constituents flatly refused to believe that she would have supported abortion up until birth. With the protection of her local Bendigo newspaper, she remains unaccountable.

During the abortion debate in Parliament, images of aborted babies were viewed. Abortion survivor, Gianna Jessen, gave her amazing story of surviving an abortion and asked "Where were my rights as a female?" But Emily's List MPs remained determined.
Peter Kavanagh, former Member of the Democratic Labour Party, described how he was told by some ALP MPs that although they did not want to support the Bill, they were told (by the ALP) that they would not be endorsed for reselection if they did not - so much for a conscience vote!

Former ALP Member for Bendigo West, Bob Cameron, voted against the Bill. He has since been replaced by Emily List's Maree Edwards. 

The legislation was passed and numerous amendments were put forward - some 60, in fact. It was the rejection of these amendments that gives us a look into what Emily's List really stands for.

Given they had succeeded in legalising abortion in Victoria, one would think that a political organisation that champions the rights of women would have supported the following amendments: Parental consent for girls under 18 years (parental consent is required for piercings); mandatory reporting of suspected sexual abuse; support/counselling for women considering abortion; a "cooling off period" for women considering late term abortion.  But no - each Emily's List Member of Parliament voted each of these amendments down.

Emily Listers also opposed: The banning of partial birth abortions (banned in the U.S); provision of medical care for aborted babies born alive; anaesthetic for babies aborted late term; and limitting abortion availability to 20 or 24 weeks (babies can survive outside the womb at this stage). 

In espousing to be "pro choice", there is no evidence of Emily's List having any interest in any "choice" other than abortion. Where do they show such determination and passion for adoption?  Are they fighting to have red tape surrounding adoption cut?
Where are they lobbying for pregnancy support centres? Parenting classes?
It is blaringly obvious that Emily's List is "pro choice" alright...as long as that "choice" is abortion!

The champagne flowed for those Emily Listers who had secured their ultimate "trophy", but for the women, families and babies of Victoria and Australia, it was a very sad day. Legal protection for the unborn and also for women had been stripped.
The following businesses and organisations sponsor Emily's List - the first two listed are supporting one of their upcoming events. Please make contact with them. If you do business with them and your concerns are brushed aside, please consider changing to another business provider.

http://mebank.com.au/

http://womeninsuper.com.au/members/

http://www.justitia.com.au/main.html

http://www.asu.asn.au/

http://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/

Have you ever wondered why so many Churches are silent about abortion?

Having asked numerous Church/conference leaders to host pro life events/speakers over the last three years, the response received is often underwhelming and usually one of excuses. The reason for this avoidance is actually admirable and because they are kind hearted - they do not want to add further pain or discomfort to women and men (in their congregations) who may have been affected directly or indirectly by abortion. Statistically, that would be one woman in every three, sitting in their pews each week. But does this silence actually contribute to the culture of abortion we have in Australia?

 For a week in September (23rd-30th), Church leaders have a wonderful opportunity to meet two Christian ladies from Operation Outcry (U.S), who will be available to share their powerful abortion and healing testimonies. They will also discuss why it is imperative for Churches to be prepared to tackle the ugly problem of abortion, for the sake of people in their congregations and in their wider communities. There will also be information on hand, for support that is available in Australia for women pre or post abortion. 

Church leader forums will be held:

* Warragul (Victoria) - Friday, Sep 23, 10am - 12pm. Warragul Church of Christ, 155 Bowen Street, Warragul - Light lunch provided. RSVP: Kirsten: 0402 220 445

* Bendigo - Friday, Sep 23, 7:30pm - 9:00pm. Abundant Life Christian Fellowship, 113-123 Mackenzie St West, Golden Square.

* Mildura - Sunday, Sep 25, 1:30 pm. River Edge Church, River Road, Merbein. Coffee and cake provided.

For more information, please contact Sonja: sonja@lifenetwork.org.au or 0428 313 931

 

 

Australian Family Association is having a dinner, supported by Cherish Life. You and your friends are invited to attend this information evening.
Thursday 25th August
Time:  6:30pm
Location: The Mackay City Bowls Club - Shakespeare St, Mackay
Cost: $30.00 per person (Students $15.00)
RSVP: Brian Martin - 0418 790 270 or email: brianmartin63@optusnet.com.au
www.votersforlife.org.au

What do you think?
Do you believe that...
1) Babies in the womb deserve protection?
2) Women should be offered support / counselling when considering an abortion?
3) Parental consent should be required for a teenager seeking an abortion (as with piercings)?
4) Abortion up until birth should be banned?
5) Babies born alive (after failed abortions) should be provided with medical care?
6) Suspected sexual abuse of minors seeking abortions should be reported?
7) Partial birth abortions (banned in the U.S) should be banned in Victoria?
8) There should be a "cooling off" period for women considering late term abortion?
9) Abortion should be unthinkable or at least rare?

You might be surprised to learn that all of the Greens, many of the ALP and some Liberal MPs (including the current Vic Premier, Ted Bailleu) rejected each of the amendments included in the questions above (questions 2 -8).

Peter Kavanagh, former DLP MP was in Parliament when this abortion bill was passed. Hear his description here, along with comments from Melissa Ohden

Members of the current Victorian Government have indicated that they are waiting to hear from the public, before they can act to repeal this law. To motivate Victorian MPs we must run a strong and constant campaign.
Please write to them and ask that they repeal the abortion law of 2008 and reinstate protection for the unborn and their mothers. 
 If you are part of a mother's group, men's shed night, youth group, Church, social club or family... then why not organise a letter writing hour? If you can,please write or email numerous times.
What are we waiting for?!!

Vic Premier -Ted Bailleu: 
Office of the Premier
1 Treasury Place
GPO Box 4912V V
Melbourne, Victoria
Australia, 3002

Phone: (03) 9651 5000
TTY (for the hearing impaired only): (03) 9682 4864
Email contact form: http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/contact.html 

Leader of the National Party - Peter Ryan:
54B Cunninghame Street SALE 3850.
P.O. Box 145,
SALE 3850.

Phone: (03) 5144 1987
Fax: (03) 5144 7086
Email contact form: http://www.peterryan.com.au/contact-us
 

Attorney General - Robert Clark:
24 Rutland Road, BOX HILL Vic 3128.
Phone: (03) 9898 6606
Fax: (03) 9890 7180.
Email: robert.clark@parliament.vic.gov.au 

If you live in Victoria, please send a message, phone or visit your local MP.

Please contact the Upper House Members in your region.

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You're invited to join us for an intensive, educational and encouraging weekend learning how to better serve women and families in pregnancy-related distress, featuring talks and workshops from experienced PPH staff and special guest speakers from several relevant fields. Whether you are interested in serving on the PPH team, or simply want to know more about ministering to struggling and hurting women in your community, you are... welcome to join us for this inspiring and empowering event. Camp Wattle Grove, Kelvin Rd, August 26-28 Check in begins at 6pm Friday for a 7pm start (please note, we will not be serving dinner on Friday evening, only supper) and the weekend concludes at 3pm on Sunday. $110 registration (GST inclusive) per person includes two nights accomodation in twin share rooms or family suites, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday as well as morning and afternoon teas and supper. Each participant will also be supplied with training materials from each session. As several sessions will be based on the LOVE Manual, it is strongly recommended that you have your own copy for the weekend- they can be aquired from PPH for a suggested donation of $20 each to cover photocopying costs. There will be additional optional resources available for sale on the weekend. Time is short, so please contact Pregnancy Problem House on 9344 8337 or email pph.la@iinet.net.au to register or for further information.   See more