Mackay March For Life Brings Abortion Debate Into Focus

Photo source: Cherish Life QLD - Mackay Branch

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Locals gathered in Mackay last Saturday for the annual March For Life, which brought together supporters of the pro-life movement.

The march began at Harbour Road before finishing at Caneland Central Park, where attendees heard from guest speakers and community representatives.

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Among those attending was Cherish Life Queensland CEO Matthew Cliff, who travelled from Brisbane for the event.

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Operating since 1970, and formerly known as Right to Life Queensland, Cherish Life is one of Queensland's longest-established pro-life organisations, with branches throughout the state, including Mackay.

Mr Cliff, who has been CEO for around four and a half years, said the organisation's work centred on two key areas of education and advocacy, aiming to encourage greater understanding of its pro-life position, while engaging with elected representatives and participating in public discussions about abortion.

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Mr Cliff said the organisation also connected women experiencing unplanned pregnancies with other services that could provide practical and emotional support. Though Cherish Life do not offer direct assistance themselves, they refer women toservices like Hope's Dream, a Christian-based, non-profit charitable organization which provides pregnancy counselling and support.

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“The rallies are really a good way of bringing public awareness,” Mr Cliff said.

“It's an opportunity for people who support the pro-life movement to demonstrate why this is important to them.”

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Mr Cliff said his own Christian beliefs played a role in shaping his position, with his views centred on the belief that human life is valuable from conception.

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“The Christian method in which I believe as the CEO of Cherish Life Queensland is to walk in grace and truth, and truth in love, and that all human life from conception is valuable,” he said.

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The Mackay event featured several speakers and representatives, including Mr Cliff, Australian Christian Lobby Assistant Director Daniel Adsett, Family Voice Australia Queensland Director Andrew McColl, Lighthouse Church Mackay Pastor Jai Wrightand St Joseph's Catholic Church Associate Pastor Rev. Fr. Raju Mandothparambil.

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While Cherish Life advocates against abortion, other organisations take a different view of reproductive rights.

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CEO of Queensland pro choice organisation Children By Choice Anjulee Singh shared:  

“Children by Choice believe all people have the right to make decisions about their own body and health care. 

“Abortion is legal healthcare and should be accessible without barriers regardless of where you live.”

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The organisation advocates for accessible reproductive care in regional communities, claiming that stigma and privacy concerns can make it hard to ask for help, and can prevent women from pursuing the healthcare they are entitled to.  

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“Everyone has the right to make their own decision about their pregnancy, whether that means continuing, ending, or considering adoption,” the organisation states.  

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“Support should be non-judgemental, confidential, and respectful.”

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The differing perspectives come amid ongoing public and parliamentary debate about reproductive rights in Queensland, including discussions involving Mackay MP Nigel Dalton, who earlier this year crossed the floor in opposition to restrictions on parliamentary debate about abortion.

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