The decision on Friday by the Supreme Court to end constitutional protections for abortion that have stood in America for nearly half a century is expected to lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states. Video / AP
National Party leader Christopher Luxon says MP Simon O'Connor was asked to delete a social media post saying it was a "good day" after abortion rights in the US were curtailed because it "was causing distress and does not represent the position of the National Party."
O'Connor yesterday posted "todayis a good day" on social media after the Supreme Court ruling overturning the Roe v Wade decision in the US – a step that means US states can ban abortion.
The post was later removed.
Luxon, whose personal views are also opposed to abortion, this morning confirmed O'Connor was asked to remove the post.
Simon O'Conor's social media post following the US Supreme Court decision.
"The complete removal of abortion law in the overturning of Roe v Wade in the USA is distressing for many women everywhere and I empathise with them.
"Simon O'Connor's post was taken down because it was causing distress and does not represent the position of the National Party."
Luxon reiterated his previous statement that New Zealand was in a different position to the US and its abortion reforms was debated, voted on "and ultimately settled" in 2019-2020.
National MP Simon O'Connor. Photo / VNP
"I have been consistent since becoming leader that these laws will not be relitigated or revisited under a future National government, and these health services will remain fully funded."
"I understand how deeply held people's views on abortion are. It's important to me that women in New Zealand can have certainty that if I am elected Prime Minister these issues will not be put back on the table for further debate."
