The former Prime Minister of New Zealand, and two current MPs, have joined a National March for Life in the capital, Wellington.
More than 1,000 New Zealanders marched through the city, to denounce abortion and defend human life from conception.
It comes as steps are being taken by new Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to permit abortion on demand.
‘Life matters’
MP Simon O’Connor encouraged marchers, saying: “I am a proud pro-life man and New Zealander.
“Ladies and gentlemen, you are making a proud, strong statement today. Life matters. Never be ashamed to be pro-life. Life from conception to death. How could anyone be against that?”
Life matters. Never be ashamed to be pro-life. Life from conception to death. How could you be against that?
Another MP, Alfred Ngaro said, “our heart also feels for those who are not here. Half a million children have lost their lives since the 1970s”.
Lost lives
New Zealand’s first National March for Life was held last year to commemorate the country’s 40th anniversary of legalised abortion.
In 2017 the total number of abortions was 13,285, the equivalent of 36 induced abortions per day.
The majority occur up to 20 weeks, but in 2017, there were 96 abortions reported between 20 weeks and birth.
