Channel Nine reporter Lana Murphy sorry for offensive picture from abortion protest

Channel Nine reporter Lana Murphy has apologised after posting an image to her social media from last weekend’s abortion protests in Sydney.

Channel Nine reporter Lana Murphy has apologised after posting an image to her social media from last weekend’s abortion protests in Sydney.

Murphy was covering the pro-choice demonstration for the network and was pictured holding a sign that read: “Mary (The Virgin) should’ve had an abortion.”

According to the Herald Sun, Murphy was counselled by the network as to why the image was inappropriate, prompting a response from the crime reporter.

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

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

“The words on the sign and my subsequent posting of that image on my personal social media account has caused offence to some in the religious community.

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

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

@LanaMurphy shame on you pic.twitter.com/W0KcTMutqE

— Nunya (@WayneGi80897236) July 5, 2022

Nine News also released a statement.

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

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

“9 News apologises to anyone offended by the post.

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

Hundreds of protesters turned up to the Sydney rally outside Town Hall on Saturday, despite storms drenching the city.

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Channel 9 reporter Lana Murphy

Under ponchos and umbrellas, the crowd can be heard chanting “They say no choice, we say pro choice”.

Activist Hersha Kadkol said the protest was necessary because Roe v Wade being overturned was a “a terrifying attack on the rights of women and others to have control over our bodies”.

While the protests are partly a show of solidarity for the US people who have been affected by the Supreme Court ruling, protesters also say they’re about paying attention to Australia’s own “shortcomings”.

“Supporters always need to be organised and stand up to show our strength,” Kadkol said. “Abortion rights were initially won on the streets and through protests … None of the gains from the past are set in stone and they have to be defended.”