Engaging the Culture: Reflections on SBS Insight Appearance

In February I had the opportunity to appear on the SBS Insight program. While fully aware of the ideological bias, and in anticipation that the platform may not be sympathetic to our position, still I recognised the critical importance of ensuring that our voice is present in these national conversations.

Despite the significance of the opportunity, unfortunately I felt that the final edit did not reflect the depth and breadth of the discussion that took place, particularly on the key issues of abortion and euthanasia. The edited version offered a far narrower representation of my contributions, although to be fair to SBS, the editing may have been due to time constraints of the program.

Over the course of the evening I spoke for much longer than what appeared in the final broadcast. Notably, my remarks on why it is important for men to speak up in defence of unborn life were omitted. I also felt there was also a significant imbalance in how the euthanasia discussion was edited, with far greater weight given to the contributions of the Dying with Dignity CEO.

The segment also contained a factual inaccuracy. SBS reported that depending on the state, the maximum legal gestational limits for abortion range between 16 and 24 weeks and that the ACT is the only jurisdiction with no upper limit. This is incorrect. Once gestational limits are exceeded, abortions can and do still occur across Australia with the approval of two doctors. I feel this omission gives the misleading impression that legal limits are more restrictive than they actually are.[i]

Additionally, with regards to the euthanasia discussion, I was disappointed with the opportunity not to touch on the facts concerning countries like Canada and Belgium, where the so-called ‘slippery slope’ argument has materialised in practice. For example, Canada’s official report on Medical Assistance in Dying (April 1, 2021 – March 31, 2022) revealed that 1,700 individuals (47%) cited “perceived burden on family, friends or caregivers” as a contributing reason for euthanasia, and 824 individuals (23%) listed “isolation or loneliness.” Similarly, in Belgium between 2018 and 2021, 36 individuals were euthanised for depression, six for autism, and two for anorexia—conditions that need compassionate care, not state-sanctioned death.[ii]

It is also important to clarify a recurring misrepresentation from the program, where questions were frequently framed with the assumption that Cherish Life is a “religious organisation.” In reality, Cherish Life functions as a human rights organisation, not a religious body. While I am indeed a committed Christian, this conviction does not define the organisation’s public arguments or advocacy. Although I can make a theologically grounded case against abortion, it is equally essential to emphasise — as I did a couple of times during the show — that one does not need to hold any religious beliefs to oppose abortion. Abortion is the intentional killing of an innocent human being. Killing innocent human beings is morally wrong. Therefore, abortion is morally wrong. This argument stands on rational grounds, without requiring any appeal to theological premises.

Once again, I was under no illusions about the environment I was stepping into, and was fully prepared for the challenges faced when in participating in such a forum. Opportunities such as these are essential, as a movement if we are serious about changing the narrative on these critical issues, we cannot afford to avoid these platforms. Even when the deck is stacked, we must take every opportunity to advocate for the unborn, the vulnerable, and the voiceless. Importantly, we can stand confidently knowing that nothing myself or Dr. Joanna Howe said was inaccurate or inconsistent with our convictions.

One personal highlight of mine during the evening was the privilege of sitting behind Joanna. Her passion and conviction in that space was truly remarkable.

In summary, while there is understandable frustration with how the segment was edited, we are nonetheless grateful to SBS for the opportunity and hopeful that it may lead to future engagements. Our work is far from over, and we will continue to speak for the most vulnerable in our society, whether in mainstream media, in parliament, in Churches or in everyday conversations across the country. We press on!

To watch the show in full click the following link – https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/watch/2407986243628

[i] MSI Australia. “Australian Abortion Access Scorecard.” Accessed 5 March, 2025. https://www.msiaustralia.org.au/abortion-access-scorecard/

[ii] Australian Care Alliance. “Quebec and Belgium: New reports confirm euthanasia for sex abuse victims and for loneliness.” Accessed 5 March, 2025. “https://www.australiancarealliance.org.au/quebec_and_belgium_new_reports_confirm_euthanasia_for_sex_abuse_victims_and_for_loneliness