AUCKLAND The fact that only a slight majority of New Zealanders think abortion is morally acceptable should be reason enough to revive public discussion on the issue, two pro-life groups claim. Research company UMR conducted its annual Mood of the Nation survey late last year, asking New Zealanders about their views on a variety of topics. One part of the survey, released in February, focused on social issues, asking the 750 respondents if they felt certain practices are morally acceptable.

According to the results, 55 per cent of Kiwis think abortion is morally acceptable.

That suggests, Family Life International spokesman Brendan Malone said, that 45 per cent of New Zealanders think abortion is immoral.

That surely means that there is a mandate for open and public discussion about this issue, which is not currently happening. He added that the discussion appears to be being actively stifled by certain interest groups, despite the fact that almost 50 per cent of respondents to this survey view abortion as being morally unacceptable.

Ken Orr of Right to Life echoed those comments, saying the results should encourage the pro-life movement to continue speaking up for the right to life of Gods precious infants.

Churches have a responsibility to speak up in defence of life and promote the culture of life, Mr Orr said.

Read more about the Mood of the Nation survey in the February 24 issue of NZ Catholic