A Short History of The Human Life Protection Society
The Right to Life Association Tasmania was established in 1972. It became an Associated Incorporation in 1983.
The main promotors of this Association were Dr Gerard Gartlan and Dr Dennis Humphrey, both obstetricians, whose wives, Pat Gartlan and Delyth Humphrey helped establish the Pregnancy Support Service. They worked long years for providing telephone counselling, including taking after hours calls at home, face to face at the office and practical support.
In November 1988, Right to Life changed its name to the Human Life Protection Society.
The Society has worked in a gentle and positive way to achieve its aims of protecting the unborn child from abortion and aiding the pregnant mothers who are in distress. It was established to protect human life from conception through to natural death.
A committee was formed, and the Constitution was ratified. The committee met monthly. Part of the work of the Society was to pray for mothers and unborn babies. Prayer was prayed at the Christian churches in Moonah every Thursday. Moonah was chosen because an abortion house had been set up in Moonah. This house closed 8 years after.
Money was raised through subscriptions, donations, and bequests. Cake stalls were run in Moonah and South Hobart. The money was used to make people aware of the evils of abortion and euthanasia.
Advertisements were placed on Hobart buses to protest abortion and euthanasia. Advertisements were also placed in the Tasmanian Mercury. For example: ‘Every baby’s life is precious’ and ‘Every human life deserves respect – not euthanasia’.
A phone monitor was set up to offer advice for those who called.
Prayer cards were distributed. This card was printed on both sides. One side a prayer composed by Dr Noel Roberts for the unborn child. On the other side part of psalm 139. ‘For it was you who created my being….’
Precious feet of a 14-week baby were produced as a broach or lapel pin. These are very powerful.
True Love Waits was a prayer group set up to pray for chastity among people.
Prayer for Politicians every month in the Long Room at Parliament House was attended by Politicians and the public.
Anyone can make a difference
The work of the Human Life Protection Society continues with a revamped committee who are determined to protect the unborn, aid pregnant mothers, lobby politicians against the new laws which promote euthanasia and abortion. 14-year-old children are encouraged to opt for euthanasia. The abortion pill is encouraged and to be widely available. These and other laws are detrimental to our society. We need to advocate for life while trying to change the laws.