The three men who made a difference to the pro-life movement in Tasmania.
The Human Life Protection Society initially began as the Right to Life Association and its inaugural meeting was held in August 1972. While there are many people who wholeheartedly promoted the pro-life cause in Tasmania over the years, the contribution of the three founders of Right to Life remains unparalleled. Many of the older generation would remember these men for their commitment to their patients and students, as well as to the precious unborn babies.
These men were ahead of their time, innovating both in the consulting rooms and in the media.
Dr. Gerard Gartlan
Dr Gerard was a very eminent obstetrician who was highly-regarded by many Tasmanians. As a pro-life medical professional, Dr. Gerard realised that the image of the baby in the womb was very powerful. He had an ultrasound machine installed in his rooms with a special camera, and on confirmation of a pregnancy, he could produce a photo which he handed to the mother to take home.
Although this is quite routine these days, Dr. Gerard was one of the first obstetricians to provide that service. He knew that these images could expose the myth that, at the early stages of pregnancy, a baby is no more than “a bunch of cells”.
Along with some friends, Dr. Gerard’s wife, Pat, pioneered the active arm of the Human Life Protection Society by establishing the Pregnancy Support Service. These dedicated people helped women to make good choices when they found themselves expecting a baby in less-than-ideal circumstances.
Dr. Gerard now resides at St Ann’s nursing home in Hobart.
Dr. Dennis Humphries
Dr Dennis Humphries was also known to show mothers a scan of their babies in the womb, whenever he was consulted for an abortion. He would point out the little heart beating to the mother, saying, “How wonderful, look!”
The young women generally changed their minds, asking him not to perform the abortion, instead making the choice for life for their children.
Dr. Noel Roberts
Another couple with early involvement in the organisation was Dr Noel Roberts and his wife Betty. Noel wasn’t a medical doctor, but was a doctor of philosophy, and took every opportunity to promote the pro-life message. Noel and Betty took very active roles in the work of the Association, especially during the 1980’s and 90’s.
The Prayer for the Unborn Babies was written by Noel Roberts in 1981, with the purpose of using it at various HLPS functions. This Prayer is still used today at the beginning of our committee meetings.
One of Noel’s initiatives was to approve funds for pro-life advertisements in the two Tasmanian Sunday newspapers. The ads promoted the idea that abortion should not be an option for pregnant mothers.
Noel was also the official spokesman for the HLPS. It was Noel who spoke to the press when an abortion house in Moonah closed in March 2001, after ten years of operation.
Noel Roberts credited the closure to the pro-life prayer meetings which began in August 1992 and which were believed to be the longest running in Australia. The prayers were held in a different church in Moonah each week and the gathering never had to cancel in its eight years of history.
When Noel was interviewed by the Mercury on 9 March 2001, he said, “We have been praying for an end to this terrible thing in our society.” The front page of a following edition was headed: ‘Eight-year vigil ends as clinic closes.’
We are grateful for all who persevered even when it became difficult and who advocated for life when the world was turning against the vulnerable, most especially the unborn babies.