MARCHING IN THE RAIN FOR THE HUMAN RIGHTS OF THE UNBORN
At 1 pm today (Human Rights Day, 21 March 2001), about 250 people belonging to the National Alliance for Life marched enthusiastically along Marine Parade in Durban to demand the recognition of the human rights of the unborn. Pouring rain during part of the march and egg thrown from a nearby building did not discourage the demonstrators. A 4.7 metre trailer with a picture of an unborn baby and information on life in the womb accompanied the procession. This is the first time the trailer has been used in Durban. One banner read, "Abortion: One killed, One wounded, One paid" referring to the emotional and physical suffering inflicted on women as well as babies for abortionists money.
One of the protesters Lindiwe Buthelezi said "Standing in the rain shows how serious we are about abortion. Apartheid was also legal - but wrong". One of the protest organisers Myrna King said that the beautiful rainbow that appeared at the end of the march symbolised their hope that one day South Africans would be able to really celebrate Human Rights Day - when the human rights of unborn babies are also protected.
Myrna King can be contacted on 083 6864326
Many of the women wore 'We care' badges and handed out cards with contact telephone numbers for anyone considering an abortion who wanted help. Fatima Chavoosa of Radio Good News said "We wear 'We care' badges because we want to help women".
At the same time in Port Elizabeth, about fifty people from Christians for Truth marked Human Rights Day, by demonstrating along the intersection of CJ Langenhoven Drive and Ring Road. They handed out pamphlets to passing motorists.
Port Elizabeth protest organiser Colin Fibiger can be contacted at 082 6257680
In a media statement today, Christians for Truth said: "The abortion laws of South Africa remain a constant contradiction of the culture of human rights. All opinion polls show that the vast majority of the public is pro-life."
In another media statement marking Human Rights Day, Doctors for Life chair Dr Albu van Eeden said "As we predicted over the years, abortion on demand is the beginning of the downward slide towards other forms of gross violations of human rights. Active euthanasia is on the table and the government seems to lack the moral will to withstand its legalisation. It is very likely that we will soon hear arguments by the pro-death camp that "euthanasia is a form of compassion" and that "patients have the right to die with dignity". A cash-strapped government will realise how cheap it is to extinguish lives instead of caring for patients until natural death. As we celebrate Human Rights Day, let us remember that it is an unfortunate reality that nations find it easier to go down the road of incremental laws against the weak, the unborn and the aged. Each piece of legislation which does not strengthen the rights of the weakest members of society will create an atmosphere for further anti-human laws"
Dr van Eeden can be contacted at 082 781 7130