The demonstrations would be "peaceful and non-confrontational" and held on public land, Southlanders For Life spokesman and Winton Catholic parish priest Fr Vaughan Leslie said.

The Southern District Health Board (SDHB) began a termination service at the hospital about two months ago and has said it expects about 280 abortions to be done annually.

The demonstrations, which would last for about an hour each week, would be a "silent witness", Fr Leslie said.

Source

• Otago Daily Times
• Image; Stuff

Southlanders for Life spokesman Father Vaughan Leslie said the group was so disturbed by the lack of consultation with the public by the health board that a formal complaint would be laid with the ombudsman against the health board.

"The grounds for the complaint are the decision to implement this controversial service is being done without appropriate and required community communication and dialogue," Leslie said.

However, the health board said it was happy with the decision to go ahead with the service.

Acting chairman Paul Menzies said the board discussed the process undertaken to plan and approve the abortion service at Southland Hospital and was satisfied with its approach.

The abortion service is scheduled to begin before the end of this month but will depend on referrals, a health board spokesman said.

Source

• The Southland Times
• Image: Screen Shot The Tablet