Labor targeted by anti-abortion campaign

Labor candidates have reportedly become the targets of an anti-abortion scare campaign organised by a “pro-life” group.

An advertising campaign has targeted Labor candidates for allegedly wanting to allow abortions in public hospitals. Image: Twitter, Saffron Howden

An advertising campaign has targeted Labor candidates over an earlier policy to allow abortions in public hospitals.

Pamphlets reportedly delivered to voters in the marginal seat of Macquarie bear the slogan: “Labor wants you to fund abortions”.

An image of one of the pamphlets posted on Twitter states they were authorised by “pro-life” group, Cherish Life Queensland.

The materials singled out Anthony Albanese as well as Labor candidate for Macquarie Susan Templeman.

The group ran an almost identical campaign in the 2019 election, also targeting Ms Templeman.

Australia’s Assistant Women’s Minister Amanda Stoker stirred controversy recently by taking part in one of the group’s rallies in Brisbane.

Last week Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he does not want a debate over abortion currently consuming the US to take place in Australia as it could “deeply divide this country”.

Last election Labor said it would move to make taxpayer-funded abortions available in public hospitals, however the party has not announced a similar stance so far this election. Image: Twitter, Saffron Howden

“I don’t want to see the disruptive, divisive debate that we’ve seen over decades and decade and decades [in the US] take place here in Australia,” Mr Morrison said.

“I don’t intend to bring it into the agenda, because I think it can be a very divisive and polarising issue, and I wouldn’t recommend it being part of our national debate,” he said.

Last election Labor said it would move to make taxpayer-funded abortions available in public hospitals, however the party has not announced a similar policy in this election.

Cherish Life’s pamphlets describe Labor’s abortion stance as “extreme”.

In the past the group’s leaders have claimed their religious beliefs compel them to oppose abortions.

“Cherish Life campaigns at key elections for life,” the group’s website states.

“We do this to help keep pro-abortion and pro-euthanasia MPs and parties out of government, so to protect human life. We have no political alignment or affiliation, but we will target those who target life.”

Originally published as Labor targeted by anti-abortion campaign