Family First Queensland Chair Alex Todd has called on Premier David Crisafulli to protect the Mater Mothers' Hospital from ideological attacks after yet another ABC hit piece this week targeting its pro-life ethos. "Queenslanders should be deeply concerned that the ABC has once again sought to smear the Mater, this time with a story alleging it 'denies miscarriage care'," Mrs Todd said. "In reality, what we are witnessing is an orchestrated campaign to force a Catholic hospital to violate its beliefs and perform abortions. The Mater has every right to provide world-class care consistent with its founding mission to protect both mothers and babies." Mrs Todd said it was disturbing that this media campaign coincides with the Crisafulli Government's bizarre decision last December to gag its own MPs from even speaking about abortion in the Queensland Parliament. "By revoking the long-standing conscience vote on matters of life and death and forcing his MPs to fall into line like lemmings, Premier Crisafulli has silenced debate on one of the most serious human rights issues of our time," Mrs Todd said. "This betrayal leaves unborn babies, pro-life hospitals, and the doctors, nurses and midwives who serve in them, without a political voice." While recognising that Queensland's lack of an Upper House makes it difficult for minor parties to win representation, Mrs Todd confirmed Family First would again contest the next state election in three years' time. "Queenslanders deserve candidates who are not afraid to defend the voiceless. Family First will continue to stand for the unborn and for freedom of conscience in healthcare. If the LNP and Labor refuse to raise their voices, then we will," Mrs Todd said. She warned that the campaign against the Mater is not about access to care, but about conquest in the culture war.
"Forcing a Catholic hospital to perform abortions would be celebrated as a symbolic triumph by activists. That is why the Mater is being targeted," Mrs Todd said. "Family First will not sit idly by while one of Queensland's most respected hospitals, founded by the Sisters of Mercy to serve families, is threatened with coercion. Premier Crisafulli must act now to defend the Mater's freedom."
