Abortion post defence slated

Press, 7 May 1980, Page 15

Abortion post defence slated

The Sisters Overseas Service organisation has criticised thp. North Canterbury Hospital' Board’s defense of its -appointment of a male abortion counsellor. The statement by the board’s chief executive (Mr R. I. Parker) was “misleading and inaccurate," said a spokeswoman for 5.0.5., Ms Lyn Peach. She said that the male counsellor had not been appointed after experienced social workers had considered the professional skills of applicants. The appointment had been confirmed before the job had even been advertised. Ms

Peach said; and the job had been taken up the day after the 'closing date for applications. < ' - “The public have a right to know facts such as these,” Ms Peach said. S.O.S. challenged the Hospital Board to produce evidence verifying its assertion that the new counsellor was the most suitable applicant interviewed by a panel of experienced social workers. Ms Peach said that individuals and groups had asked many questions about the appointment, hut they had not been answered. If they were not. then the board had something to hide, she said.