Review Of Contraceptive Legislation Advocated (Press, 9 November 1985)

On 9 November 1985, the Methodist Church conference in New Plymouth expressed the need to review existing legislation that prohibits giving contraceptive advice to individuals under the age of 16. Mr Fletcher Thomas, co-convener of the joint Methodist-Presbyterian public questions committee, highlighted concerns that a significant portion of abortions involved individuals under 16, attributing many unwanted pregnancies to insufficient contraceptive education. The conference reiterated support for existing laws governing therapeutic abortions in specific circumstances, including threats to the mother's life, serious health risks, substantial risk of fetal abnormality, pregnancies resulting from incest, cases where the mother is severely sub-normal, and instances of rape. Mr Thomas clarified the conference's stance on the sanctity of life, stating that while it acknowledges the protection of potential human beings, it does not believe the fetus possesses an absolute right to life when it conflicts with the rights of others. The discussion also included a call for the Government to reconsider the ban on contraceptive instruction for those under 16 and a greater emphasis on educating the public regarding the links between promiscuity, venereal disease, and infertility. The conference additionally advocated for increased promotion of adoption as an alternative for women contemplating abortion, recognising the need for substantial care and support for such women. Furthermore, the conference reaffirmed its long-standing position that private, consensual homosexual acts should not be criminal offences, a view held since prior to 1977. It was encouraged by the announcement of additional resources for psychiatric care within penal institutions. The conference received a significant report on surrogate motherhood, expressing opposition to commercial surrogacy, where a woman is compensated for bearing a child for childless couples. Lastly, the conference indicated intentions to explore how churches could engage with community care elements of the Criminal Justice Act, 1985, and expressed support for the Government's initiative to introduce new health education legislation.

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