Channel 9 reporter Lana Murphy apologies for sharing controversial abortion post

Nine News Melbourne journalist Lana Murphy has issued an apology and is receiving counselling after sharing a controversial post from a pro-choice rally.

The image Channel 9 reporter Lana Murphy shared on her Instagram account from a pro-abortion rally in Melbourne. Picture: Instagram

Channel 9 Melbourne and one of its television reporters have both issued extraordinary apologies after the journalist posted a controversial image from a pro-choice rally on her social media account.

Crime reporter Lana Murphy shared a photo of herself on her social media account at the rally following the Roe V Wade decision in the US, and she was seen holding a sign that had been handed to her by a protester, which read: “Mary (The Virgin) should’ve had an abortion”.

The Instagram post was shared widely on social media and outraged many including those from religious communities, with some people calling for a public apology and demanding Channel 9 take action.

The station and Murphy’s contact details were shared online, encouraging people to voice their anger about the post.

Murphy was reporting from the Melbourne CBD rally on Saturday when the image of her holding the sign was taken. The journalist shared it on her account which has about 7000 followers.

But on Tuesday, Murphy’s employer issued an apology after an online backlash.

“On the weekend, a 9News journalist posted an image to her personal social media account that caused offence to some members of the community,” the statement said.

“The journalist did not mean to cause any offence, but has been counselled on why the post was not appropriate.

“9News apologises to anyone offended by the post.

“We respect all sides of this sensitive issue and pride ourselves on reporting with impartiality.”

Murphy temporarily closed down her Twitter account, but on Tuesday reactivated her account to share an apology.

“In my role as a journalist I always strive to remain impartial and respectful to either side of rational debate,” she said in a statement.

“On Saturday, while reporting on the pro-choice rally, I was photographed being passed a sign made by one of the attendees.”

She went on to concede the words on the sign and posting of the image “caused offence to some in the religious community”.

“This was not my intention, and I wholeheartedly apologise to those that were hurt,” she said.

“I acknowledge that in my professional role, it was not the appropriate time to appear to have chosen any side.”