Position on issues in health and education​

 

​Abortion

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• On the issue of abortion, I take that view that an embryo is a human life that ought to be protected from the moment of conception and I see very little difference between the ending of a life one day before birth and one day after.  Except for some strange and exceptional circumstances, I believe that abortion can only be justified on the grounds of the mother’s life being in certain danger or it being an almost certain fact that the child will be born with such extreme disabilities that their life will be one of constant pain and misery.

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• I would also advocate for assistance and counselling for women considering abortion as in many cases the desire stems from a sense of hopelessness not unlike those who consider suicide.

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• While those of us who hold to this strong position on abortion should not be considered legally responsible for any hardships that may occur if our position were again to become the legal position of the State, I do believe that we should be amongst the most compassionate and practically supportive of those who bear a child in unexpected and / or unfavourable circumstances.

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Voluntary Euthanasia

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• On the issue of voluntary euthanasia, I have some more sympathy with those who advocate for this position as I believe it mostly comes from sincere desire to relieve severe suffering.  However, there is still the general issue of the value of human life, the possibility of insincere motives from relatives, and the general issue of the finality of death.  I am not at all sure that the recently passed legislation on this issue has addressed this issue correctly and would advocate for a review of its philosophy and operation as soon as possible.

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• I would also strongly encourage those who are strongly opposed to the validity of any actions to deliberately end the life of a person in severe pain to be amongst the leaders in finding and funding the most effective means of palliative care possible for as many people as possible.

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Unnecessary medical intervention / informed consent

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• Details TBA.

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Private Education

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• Details TBA.