Labour’s policy attacked

Press, 1 June 1981, Page 10

Labour’s policy attacked

PA Wellington The Labour Party policy on women promotes compulsory motherhood, says the Women’s National Abortion Action Campaign. A Wonaac spokesman, Miss Lyn Benson, said the policy assumed all women wanted to be mothers. Abortion was chosen because social support, was inadequate. The policy, announced by Mr Rowling, promises more

child care facilities, home help and paid parental leave for either parent. “It’s compulsory motherhood with compassion,” Miss Benson said. Only lipseryice was paid to ending discrimination and promoting equal opportunity. The party also pledged to hold a referendum on the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Act. “Labour women have fought hard for abortion

rights but they've been duped into a shameful silence on the abortion issue by agreeing to a referendum.” The policy is to accommodate the consciences of, male members of the party, she said. “We urge Labour women to raise the issue at their forthcoming conference and direct their energies towards accommodating the aspirations of women,” Miss Benson said.