National Alliance for Life 2003 The Pro-Life scene in South Africa

1. National Alliance for Life 2003The Pro-Life scene in South Africa • Various organisations have been presenting the pro-life view since the 1970s. • When it became obvious that the political powers, which started negotiating for power in the early 90s, were likely to vote for abortion on demand, more organisations and churches became concerned and formed pro-life movements.

2. The Pro-Life scene in South Africa • Despite all polls (and those by neutral, secular researchers) showing that abortion on demand was rejected by the vast majority of the population, the government pressed ahead with abortion legislation. No conscience vote was allowed.

3. NAL 2003 • Various pro-life organisations commemorate 1 February as a National Day of Repentance.

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6. NAL 2003 • Besides these public demonstrations there are also other ways of keeping life issues at the forefront of the nation’s conscience:- addressing church meetings- participating in newspaper, television and radio debates- press statements (and letter writing)

7. NAL 2003 The following press statement gave a good two months `mileage’ of controversy: 31 January 2003 South African `National Day of Repentance' for abortion of babies The first day of February 2003 marks the 6th anniversary of the Termination of Pregnancy Law, which was signed by ex-President Nelson Mandela 6 years ago. …

8. NAL 2003 Since then, according to the Department of Health, about 265 398 babies have been legally aborted.The day has been commemorated by thousands of South African Christians as a National Day of Repentance.…

9. NAL 2003 …CFT has placed Obituary Notices in some newspapers, with the words: "Baby Jane - Tragically killed by abortion in January 2003. Christians for Truth mourns the 265 398 lives lost in the 6-year holocaust of legal abortions on demand since 1 February 1997. "They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters..." Psalm 106:38. May God have mercy on South Africa. For further info contact 032 481 5512"

10. NAL 2003 …Ironically, a major news syndicate, Independent Newspapers, turned down the paid notice at the last minute. The excuse by the Head of the Classifieds Department was: "The editor has said that this kind of advert is not allowed and has to be killed...". (The editor was not available for comment.)

11. NAL 2003 After lots of controversy, radio and print media and an upcoming TV discussion, the editor agreed to a discussion because he was accused by other media of censorship. An amicable resolution was reached.

12. NAL 2003 • One of the organisations involved in pro-life ministry is Africa Christian Action and Frontline Fellowship. The director, Dr P. Hammond sends this personal message to this conference:

13. “Greetings in the wonderful Name of Jesus Christ, from Africa Christian Action in Cape Town! We are very sorry that we were unable to send any representatives to the conference, due to late notice. Abortion on demand has been legal in South Africa for over six years now.

14. NAL 2003 “The government statistics clearly show that the number of abortions continues to increase each year. God will hold us to account for the innocent blood that we have allowed to be shed. The number of other horrific incidents reported, for example infanticide connected to “failed” abortions, also appears to be increasing…

15. NAL 2003 “Abortion is being promoted by big money, through the media, in the schools and other educational institutions, by anti-AIDS organisations like loveLife and by the government. The heart attitude of South Africans is hardening towards the plight of the unborn, as the AIDS pandemic spreads and the distress of AIDS orphans increases….

16. NAL 2003 …The situation, from a human point of view, looks bleak. Faced with challenges of this magnitude, what can pro-lifers do? At Africa Christian Action we continue to solemnly commemorate 1 February with a National Day of Repentance funeral procession and prayer meeting outside Parliament, and are delighted that in 2003 six other centres used this opportunity to take a stand for life in their community. …

17. NAL 2003 “…We also observe Life Chain Sunday on each first Sunday of October. Even though abortion is considered entrenched in our society, we are pleased to be able to contribute a prophetic voice calling our people to repentance. We are grateful that the media continues to report on the stand we take – and that this reporting has resulted in many other opportunities to speak up for the pre-born….

18. NAL 2003 “…We will need to do far more to win this battle. We will need to persuade people on the ground that all life made in God’s image must be protected. I have found that “merely” speaking about abortion as murder is not sufficient – we need to address the “hard cases” of rape, incest and deformity if we are to win hearts. …

19. NAL 2003 “We will need to continue to show mercy and provide for those who are in need, including not only caring for those in crisis pregnancies, but also showing true religion as we “look after widows and orphans in their distress”. This need will increase as the impact of the AIDS plague becomes even more apparent, and Christians will have to live and give sacrificially….

20. NAL 2003 “…We must not lose heart. As George Grant so eloquently describes in “Third Time Around”, the infant church faced a society far worse than ours, and had far fewer resources than we had. By the power of the Good News of Jesus Christ and consistent Christian living they were salt to their decaying society and light to their dark world. …

21. NAL 2003 “…Even in the midst of persecution, they so influenced their society that abortion and euthanasia were outlawed. May God soon bring the day when all human life is respected according to His standards in South Africa. Until then, may we be found faithful workers in His harvest field. …

22. NAL 2003 “…We are grateful that we do not work alone, but that there are many in South Africa whom the Lord has called to this important work, and we wish His every blessing on the conference. Jeanine McGill, National Co-ordinator, on behalf of Charl van Wyk, Director (currently overseas)” by, Dr P. Hammond

23. NAL 2003 True Love Waits has been enormously successful in South Africa

24. NAL 2003 Over 300,000 South African teens have signed the abstinence pledge…

25. NAL 2003 TLW…

26. NAL 2003 TLW, counting cards

27. NAL 2003 TLW, counting cards

28. NAL 2003 Doctors for Life is the biggest medical organisation on the pro-life front. DFL and an increasing number of organisations and churches are assisting Aids orphaned children. One of many projects which DFL started is `11th Hour Counselling’.

29. NAL 2003 11TH Hour Counselling trains volunteers to help mothers, visiting abortion clinics, to make an informed decision after hearing about the physical and psychological consequences of having an abortion. 11th hour also includes a 24 hr care line. 073 2249221

30. NAL 2003 Pregnancy Crisis Centres, as you’ve heard already, are extremely effective in offering alternatives to women and girls in trouble.

31. NAL 2003 The National Alliance for Life is an umbrella body representing a wide variety of pro-life organisations in South Africa.  Through the diversity runs a common purpose in standing against the legalisation of abortion-on-demand and active euthanasia. 

32. NAL 2003 Besides church leaders the following organisations are represented in NAL : • Doctors for Life • Focus on the Family • African Enterprise • Africa Cares for Life • Christian Lawyers Association • Pregnancy Crisis Centres SA …

33. NAL 2003 • Christians for Truth • African Christian Action • Pro-Life SA • Christian Medical Fellowship • United Christian Action • Nurses for Life • 11th Hour Counselling

34. NAL 2003 NAL hold bi-annual conferences and this one in 2003 is the third. We hope to expand our input to more comment on life issues, in churches and the media.