The BFD | The Little Pink Casket Walk

Peter van Zweeden
littlepinkcasket.co.nz

Peter van Zweeden is a 58-year-old chiropractor from Tauranga. He has a Bachelor of Science from Victoria University, where he majored in genetics and embryology, and a Bachelor of Applied Science in chiropractic from the Phillip Institute of Technology in Melbourne.

It was about four weeks ago that I first had this crazy idea: I could walk to Wellington carrying a tiny, pink casket. I’d been reflecting on the fact that more than 90% of public submissions were against the new abortion bill – but the Government passed it anyway. I felt most MPs didn’t listen.

There wasn’t enough time to complete the walk before the election, which was originally scheduled for today. So I dismissed the idea. But then they changed the date! It became one of those ideas which just wouldn’t go away.

Peter van Zweeden

Peter van Zweeden is walking the 525km from Tauranga to Wellington with a little pink casket strapped to his back. The kind you’d see at an infant’s funeral. Why? To raise awareness about a major change in New Zealand’s healthcare law.

In March, just prior to Level 4 lockdown, the Government voted on an important piece of legislation. Most of us were understandably focused on other things, and the new law passed largely unnoticed. But many people are surprised when they find out exactly what the Abortion Legislation Act 2020 says – and does not say.

Did you know, for example, that before 20 weeks there are no restrictions on abortion? That you don’t have to give a reason or fulfil any conditions? This arguably means a woman could obtain a termination even if she were carrying a boy but wanted a girl.¹

Did you know that you can get a termination right up to birth as long as the provider thinks it is “clinically appropriate in all the circumstances”?² Or that if a baby is born alive during the attempted procedure, there is nothing in the legislation that specifically mandates a duty of care?³

Wait. Abortion? Is he some kind of a nutter? Nope, just a regular guy. Peter owns a chiropractic centre in Tauranga, employing four staff. He coaches a boys’ football team. Likes cycling, water-skiing, a merlot on the verandah. He’s just a dad who loves his kids, loves his country, and is passionate about truth and justice. And he’s walking from his hometown to the steps of Parliament on behalf of Aotearoa’s most vulnerable citizens.

References:

¹ The Act says Parliament ‘opposes’ sex-selective abortion, but does not ban it.
² Re ‘clinically appropriate after 20 weeks’: The woman’s physical and mental health and wellbeing must be taken into account, along with how far along she is. And the abortion provider must consult with at least one other practitioner.
³ There are already laws in place to provide any baby ‘born alive’ with legal rights to healthcare, subject to the professional standards for babies of its gestation. We believe, however, that it would be wise to have an additional safeguard in the abortion legislation – to remove any doubt regarding a born-alive scenario in the context of abortion.

What Can I Do?

Spread the word
The most important thing you can do is spread the word about Little Pink Casket, and the journey Peter is undertaking, especially on social media. Please like our Facebook page here – go do it now while it’s on your mind – and follow us on Instagram here. This really helps us in terms of awareness online. Please add your comments to the conversation – and share our posts with abandon.

Contact your MP
In the leadup to the election, write to your MP – or, even better, visit him or her – to explain your concerns with the law as it stands. Please be measured, polite and friendly. Ask them three things:

Why did you vote the way you did on the Abortion Legislation Act 2020?
Would you vote the same way again, now that you’ve had six months to further consider it?
What amendments would you make if given the opportunity?

We’d love you to post any replies – or email them to us.

Show the ribbons
The Little Pink Casket sign on Peter’s back is flanked by two ribbons: one baby blue, one baby pink. To show support for the project, and to raise awareness about the new legislation, consider putting pink and blue ribbons on your car – either on the aerial, or one on each wing mirror – or on your wrists. Especially if you are going to join the walk at any stage! It’s a great conversation starter.