Religious people have been at the forefront of pro-life activism for decades, to their credit. But it has led to a misconception that to be pro-life is to be religious. In reality, the pro-life tent is broad and the reasons for protecting the unborn are varied. It is essential that the pro-life movement (and pro-life parties like the Common Good) make room for people of all backgrounds who want to stand for the dignity and value of every human life. We need every pro-life person working together to best pursue our goals. So here are 3 good reasons why pro-life is not a religious movement.

1. Science backs it
   Scientific consensus is clear: in utero humans are alive. From the moment of fertilisation, a new human organism is formed — genetically distinct from the mother and father. This is not a matter of theology, but of biology. The unborn child has a heartbeat by around six weeks, brain activity not long after, and continues to develop with complexity from the earliest stages. Denying this biological reality is not scientific — it’s ideological.
2. Ethics backs it
   Medical ethics is guided by four key principles: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. In debates about abortion, autonomy often takes centre stage — a woman’s right to choose. While autonomy is important, it cannot override the other pillars. Non-maleficence (“do no harm”) and beneficence (actively doing good) require us to consider the harm done to the unborn. Justice demands that we protect the most vulnerable — including those who cannot speak for themselves. And this is barely scratching the surface of the ethical argument against abortion. In Australian law unborn life is recognised when wanted — consider Zoe’s Law in NSW, which allows the recognition of a foetus as a victim if harmed in a crime. If the value of unborn life is acknowledged in such cases, why not consistently? 
3. Secular people back it
   Today, more secular voices are emerging and speaking up for the unborn. In the United States, Secular Pro-Life is a growing organisation advocating for the human rights of the unborn without religious argument. Their message? You don’t need faith to believe that every human life deserves protection. The pro-life position is a human rights issue — and that transcends religion.

At the Common Good Party, we believe protecting unborn life is a matter of justice, compassion, and reason. Whether you are religious, spiritual, agnostic or atheist — if you believe in human dignity for all, we invite you to stand with us.