HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RIGHT TO LIVE CAMPAIGN

1996

In September 1996, with the support of the Bishops of KwaZulu-Natal, the then Archbishop Napier, set up The Right to Live Campaign (RTLC) for the whole province in response to the proposed liberalisation of the abortion laws.

Father Massimo Biancalani was appointed the co-ordinator.

The Archdiocese of Durban held a Prayer Service in Emmanuel Cathedral, followed by a march to the City Hall, in October 1996. More than 1 000 people showed their opposition to abortion.

In November 1996 a demonstration march of more than 5000 people through the streets of Durban made a determined statement against the "Termination of Pregnancy Bill".

1997

Just before the act became operative we joined the National Alliance for Life in a peaceful
demonstration outside Marie Stopes in Durban that was already performing abortions before the act was passed.

That particular protest appeared in the local newspapers so again our voice was heard. In February "The Termination of Pregnancy Bill" became law.

The Right to Live Campaign embarked on a three pronged approach:

A Education
B Protest Action
C Assistance

At this point it became clear that most people, in particular health workers and others affected by this Act, were confused as to their lawful position on abortion on demand. As a matter of urgency a leaflet, "Abortion and your Constitutional Rights", clarifying the individual's rights, was compiled by the Campaign's legal team and 30 000 of these leaflets were distributed to all hospitals, health clinics and mobile clinics throughout KwaZulu-Natal.

On the first anniversary of the Termination of Pregnancy Act coming into effect a Mass was celebrated at Emmanuel Cathedral, where the congregation led by Archbishops Wilfrid Napier and Denis Hurley celebrated God's gift of life. At least 26 000 babies were aborted during the first year.

In November 1997 the RTLC held a very successful demonstration and march outside the City Hall and through the streets of Central Durban. About 4000 People made a determined statement against abortion.

"Life Chain" on Human Rights Day,
Marine Parade.

1998

In February Fr. Massimo sent a submission protesting the proposed legislation which would legalise euthanasia in South Africa. The submission warned of the evil of euthanasia and the possibility of other grave abuses being committed should voluntary euthanasia be legalised in South Africa.

As the Right to Live co-ordinator has always said:
"being against abortion is not enough, assistance must be offered to those
who choose to have their babies and who are in need".

The Right to Live Campaign obtained a house in Wentworth in order to
provide a shelter for women resisting abortion and who were abused.

The Mater Homes, the brainchild of Father Massimo, was started with the
opening of the first home Mater Vitae (Mother of Life).

2000

A second home Mater Dei, (Mother of God) was established in Sydenham with the co-operation and assistance of St.Philomena's. This home was the first home of the second phase of assistance.

The Home gives more long term assistance with life training and employment skills, empowering the woman with her baby or who is from an abused background to be self supporting enabling her to be integrated into society and able to support herself.

The Campaign extended it's counselling service with a 24 hour crisis help line. The service is publicised in the local press. The telephone is operated by a RTLC volunteer worker who speaks English and Zulu and can refer callers to appropriate crises organisations for help.

The demand for more space at Mater Vitae necessitated an extension to be built to the house for the sisters. The extension was blessed by Fr Massimo, on the 19th November 2000.

2001

The Campaign obtained premises at the Inchanga Catholic Mission. Here another crisis home (Mater Africae) and an AIDS Hospice and Clinic (Mater Consolans) were opened in September. An important thing to remember is that all our homes are open to anyone at no cost. If people wish to give something towards their stay in our homes they are most welcome to do so.

Photo courtesy
Independent Newspapers

RIGHT TO LIVE CAMPAIGN CO-ORDINATOR INTERNATIONALLY HONOURED
The International 2001 Michael Bell Memorial Award "Initiatives for Life" has been awarded to Father Massimo Biancalani. This has been done in recognition of his leading role in developing The Right to Live Campaign of which he is the co-ordinator, and his work in establishing the Mater Homes.

In a letter of congratulations to Father Biancalani, Tony Rouse, Secretary General of the International Alliance of Catholic Knights said: "I extend to you the thanks and congratulations of all the Alliance members throughout the world for all you have
accomplished for the unborn and defenseless."

2003

The Campaign acquired another building on the Bluff and due to the need for larger facilities Mater Vitae moved into new premises.

The Campaign extended it's activities to incorporate those adults and children/orphans infected and/or affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Mater Christi Aids Hospice / Womens' / Children's Crisis centre is situated in Inanda.

In October Mater Populi, in the old premises of Mater Vitae, took in their first HIV/AIDS patient.

Mater Spei is the 3rd facility at Inchanga. It is a day care centre for 50 children who are infected or who are affected by AIDS or who suffer from poverty.

2005

Protest action continues through various legitimate channels e.g. media etc. We will continue to implement the Bishops' policy of "noncompliance" regarding the Abortion Act.

2006

Human Life International held a conference in Cape Town on Love, Life and the Family. Father Massimo spoke about the Right to Live Campaign and the Mater Homes.

2007

On 28 August 2007 we launched our first Mater Home in Cape Town, known as Mater Domini (Mother of the Lord)

Cape Town Catholics initiated this project, born of the conviction that there was an urgent need for such accommodation, as the Western Cape had one of the highest abortion rates in the country. This was driven in part by the lack of options for women who find themselves in a maternity crisis.

Like all the other Mater Homes, Mater Domini specially Catholic ethos, respecting the dignity and right to life and freedom from abuse of all human beings.

PROTEST DEMONSTRATION

A protest demonstration was held in 2007 outside Marie Stopes abortuary in Botanic Gardens Road in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Our members were few but the spirit was good and many in passing cars hooted and waved to show their support.

PUBLIC BENEFIT ORGANISATION

The Right to Live Campaign is a Public Benefit Organisation, No. 930010452. This means that, when completing your annual income tax return, you can deduct any donation you have made to the Mater Homes, from your taxable income (subject to the limitations prescribed in Section 18A of the Income Tax Act).

NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION

The Right to Live Campaign is a Non-Profit Organisation No.: 049-247-NPO