Cape Argus and Times Censor Obituary Notice
for Victims of Abortion

In what appears to be a case of censorship by the press, The Cape Times and Argus have refused to place an obituary notice reading, “Abigail Adams and ALL BABIES killed by abortion since 1 February 1997. Africa Christian Action mourns the 700 000 babies whose lives have been tragically cut short since the legalisation of abortion on demand,” under the “Deaths” section of the Classifieds.

The editor of the Cape Argus, Chris Whitfield, claimed that the refusal to place the obituary notice was because they "believe that [the Deaths Column] is a forum for people to pay tribute to their loved ones and [to publish] it would be in poor taste." The Classifieds manager said the notice could only be placed under the Personal Column.

This is hypocritical of the Cape Times and Argus as the Classifieds often contain legitimately offensive material such as Strip Club advertisements, with scantily clad women. Such "Strip Clubs" often have behind-the-scenes illegal activities. Newspapers are thus supporting criminal activites by allowing such adverts. The “Births” section often contains an advert for “Baby City” congratulating all parents on the birth of their precious babies.

Would the Cape Argus refuse an obituary notice to ‘the unknown soldier’ on 11 November in remembrance of all the soldiers who fell in WWI and WWII?

Is the Cape Argus or the Times suggesting that all aborted babies are not real people and therefore not worthy of being listed under the Deaths section? The pre-born babies murdered by abortion are our "loved ones". By speaking up for the pre-born or "paying tribute" to them, we are loving our pre-born neighbour as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39). There is no doubt that every abortion stops a beating heart. How can it be inappropriate to list such an obituary under the Deaths section?

Freedom of speech seems to be undermined when newspaper editors censor obituary notices and refuse to give appropriate media coverage to the hidden holocaust of 700 000 South African babies killed by abortion.

Interestingly, Die Burger and The Citizen newspapers have no problem accepting the Christian Action obituary notice under their “Deaths” section.

On 1 February 1997 abortion-on-demand was legalised in South Africa. By 1 February 2008 over 700,000 South African babies will have lost their lives through abortion - legally - with tax payers money.

You can write Letters to the Editor and express your concerns over this hypocrisy:

Cape Argus: arglet@inl.co.za
Cape Times: ctletters@inl.co.za

See also related items:
Sanctity Life Sunday - 3 February 2008
Sanctity Life Sunday Information & Resources from Africa Christian Action
Scriptural Imprecatory Prayer Proclamation Against Abortion
Sanctity Life Sunday Prayer of Repentance
Do Christians Care?
Operation Nehemiah

Africa Christian Action
PO Box 23632
Claremont
7735
Cape Town
Tel: (021) 689 4481
Fax: (021) 685 5884
E-mail: info@christianaction.org.za
Website: www.christianaction.org.za