New Zealand's Catholic bishops have urged their flock to oppose political parties which support parenting by same-sex couples. The statement, issued to guide Catholics in the upcoming general election, says the Church believes that children need the attention of both a mother and father, because each contributes differently to their development. It suggests voters check which "political views on same-sex couples conflict with this wisdom". The statement also sets out the Catholics stance on abortion, medical research on embryos, and euthanasia. The Church has consistently claimed it is not party political, but this is not the first time it has used an election to promote its moral views, especially on conscience-vote topics. It campaigned strongly against the Civil Union Bill, including urging its members to remember which way their MPs voted when casting their own votes in 2005.