Archbishop urges NSW to ban sex-selective abortions, calls for unity

Archbishop Advocates for Ban on Sex-Selective Abortions in NSW

As New South Wales (NSW) lawmakers prepare for a crucial debate, the Archbishop of Sydney, Kanishka Raffel, has made a strong appeal to support a bill that aims to outlaw sex-selective abortions. The proposed legislation seeks backing from both ends of the political spectrum.

Prior to the parliamentary deliberation scheduled for Wednesday, Archbishop Raffel confirmed his endorsement of the bill in communications with NSW Premier Chris Minns and Penny Sharpe, the government’s leader in the Legislative Council.

The Abortion Law Reform Amendment (Sex Selection Prohibition) Bill 2025, introduced by John Ruddick, a Libertarian member of the upper house, targets the prohibition of abortions solely based on the unborn child’s sex.

Despite the Anglican Church’s established opposition to abortion, Archbishop Raffel emphasized that this legislation should be viewed independently from the larger discourse on abortion access. He remarked, “We hold that abortion is not a neutral moral choice but involves the loss of defenseless human life. Nevertheless, we grieve for mothers who see no other option, affirming that in our loving God, there is forgiveness and boundless goodness and mercy.”

He further stated that the bill should unite Parliament against sex-selective abortion, which he noted, “disproportionately targets unborn girls.”

Recent research by Edith Cowan University and Curtin University was cited by the Archbishop as evidence suggesting the occurrence of sex-selective abortions in NSW.

In his appeal to government leaders, Archbishop Raffel called on those who support abortion rights to consider the bill on the basis of “dignity and equality,” arguing that sex-selective abortion is a reflection of cultural discrimination rather than true female empowerment.

According to a report by the Guardian, Barnaby Joyce, a former Deputy Prime Minister and current One Nation MP, addressed an anti-abortion rally outside NSW Parliament, supporting the bill. He declared, “You must keep that fire burning for those people who can’t stand up for themselves, and I call them people, they’re not foetuses. They are people.”

The rally, organized by anti-abortion campaigners, urged Nationals MPs to support the proposal, highlighting its significance for the pro-life movement. Dr. Joanna Howe, a leading anti-abortion advocate, suggested that the legislation could be a pivotal step for future pro-life bills if it passes.

Opposition to the bill exists, with critics fearing it could lead to broader abortion restrictions. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, speaking to ABC Radio, argued against reintroducing abortion-related offenses into law, claiming there is no evidence of sex-selective abortions occurring in the state.

The NSW Legislative Council is set to debate the bill this week, with members across Labor, the Coalition, and other parties allowed to vote according to their conscience. If the bill passes the upper house, it will move to the Legislative Assembly for further discussion.