Sanctity of Human Life
On the following pages we take a look at the Pro-Life movement in South Africa. Read the personal stories of two people who could so easily have become victims.
1st February 2003 marks the sixth anniversary of the legalisation of abortion in South Africa. During January 2003 many in South Africa will be remembering the sanctity and preciousness of human life – we are created in God’s image. The culmination is Saturday 1st February, the National Day of Repentance, when Africa Christian Action co-ordinates a march to Parliament, followed by wreath laying and prayer.
Sunday 2nd February is Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. Encourage your pastor to devote the service to the right to life of pre-born babies, the sanctity of human life and repenting and interceding for the national sin of abortion. We have to stand up for the weak and helpless in our society, for those who are often unable to protect themselves.
We also need to examine our own hearts – do we respect and cherish human life in our day-to-day behaviour? Feelings of superiority, contempt and slander are expressions of disrespect for God’s Image in our world. What attitudes are we passing onto our children?
South African Pro-Life History
- The pre-1975 common law forbade abortion in all circumstances, but in practice this was not applied when the mother’s life was in danger.
- In 1975, the Abortion and Sterilization Act was passed which legalised abortion for restricted reasons: risk to mental or physical health of mother; rape; incest; or handicapped baby. Churches protested this restricted legalisation. Some hospitals interpreted the law liberally to allow easy access to abortion. About 1 000 babies per year were killed.
- In 1996, the Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Act was passed, effectively legalising abortion on demand until halfway through pregnancy and for restricted reasons after this. The law was implemented on 1st February 1997 (now an annual day of protests). After this, over 30 000 babies per year were killed.
- There was much resistance from health workers to assisting with abortions – a struggle that continues.
- Public hearings are held to review implementation of the law every two years.
Annual Events
Regular dates for pro-life protests and events are: - National Day of Repentance (1st February).
- Sanctity Life Sunday (closest Sunday to 1st February).
- Human Rights Day (21st March), protests against the abuse of the rights of the unborn.
- International Life Chain Day (first Sunday in October), peaceful placard demonstration.
Euthanasia
The South African Law Commission has suggested legalising euthanasia, but the government has not yet acted on this.
Strategy and Goals
Since many South Africans are already pro-life, the challenge of the pro-life movement is: to win over leaders in politics, media and medicine; to strengthen resolve among Christians; to reduce the number of hospitals doing abortions; and to encourage more mothers to choose alternatives.
Source: Christian View