Rodney Hide: Jacinda Ardern’s abortion view jarring

NZ Herald 10 September 2017
Family First Comment: Even Rodney Hide understands our concerns….
“In the leader’s debate she was resolute on abortion. She declared her Government would remove abortion from the Crimes Act. The following morning she stepped back a little, accepting the vote would be a conscience one, not a government decree. Such matters have historically been decided by MPs voting as individuals, not along party lines. That said, Prime Ministers have previously used their power to dictate MPs’ consciences. Ardern also allowed that removing abortion from the Crimes Act “doesn’t mean it wouldn’t have regulation that sits around it”. Quite what that would be she left unclear. But her declaration, “I want women who want access to be able to have it as a right” suggests she would leave the decision to the woman concerned. That’s a big change.”
Exactly.
#chooselife
#ValueYourVote.nz

Jacinda Ardern came across as uncharacteristically doctrinaire and unwilling to recognise differing views on abortion.

It was a jarring moment. She has been extremely skilful in dodging hard and fast positions, for example kicking questions of taxation to a post-election working group.

She has successfully and wisely presented herself as agreeable and amenable. That’s a very good thing when trying to win as many votes as possible.

But in the leader’s debate she was resolute on abortion. She declared her Government would remove abortion from the Crimes Act.

The following morning she stepped back a little, accepting the vote would be a conscience one, not a government decree. Such matters have historically been decided by MPs voting as individuals, not along party lines.

That said, Prime Ministers have previously used their power to dictate MPs’ consciences.

Ardern also allowed that removing abortion from the Crimes Act “doesn’t mean it wouldn’t have regulation that sits around it”. Quite what that would be she left unclear.

But her declaration, “I want women who want access to be able to have it as a right” suggests she would leave the decision to the woman concerned.

That’s a big change.
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