In a shocking development that has sent shockwaves through South Australia, prominent anti-abortion activist Joanna Howe has ignited a firestorm of controversy by posting disturbing ‘baby-killers club’ images targeting high-profile women on social media. The distorted illustrations, which depict female politicians and activists in a twisted parody of the popular Baby-Sitters Club book series, have been widely condemned as hateful and designed to promote hostility.
‘Forced Birth’ Legislation Sparks Backlash
The controversial posts come in the wake of Howe’s involvement in drafting so-called ‘forced birth’ abortion legislation, which sought to compel women seeking abortions after 27 weeks and six days to instead be induced and give birth. The contentious bill, introduced to parliament by Liberal frontbencher Ben Hood, was narrowly defeated in the upper house last week amidst fierce opposition.
Among those targeted in Howe’s ‘baby-killers club’ posts were:
- Deputy Premier Susan Close
- Minister for Women Katrine Hildyard
- Former Liberal Deputy Premier Vickie Chapman
- SA Greens Leader Tammy Franks
- Academic Barbara Baird
- SA Best MLC Connie Bonaros
- Public Health Professor Katina D’Onise
Tammy Franks, one of the women singled out in the posts, expressed bafflement at being targeted, stating that the images were clearly “designed to promote hatred.” She questioned why Howe chose to focus solely on women who opposed the legislation.
Activist’s Controversial Claims
Howe, an employment law professor at the University of Adelaide, has been a vocal opponent of abortion rights. She runs a website called Justice for the 45 which makes the dubious claim that 45 “healthy” and “perfect” babies have been “legally killed” since South Australia reformed its abortion laws.
However, recent data from SA Health paints a very different picture. Over an 18-month period, there were only 47 terminations after 22 weeks and six days, representing just 1% of all terminations performed. Crucially, all of these later-term abortions were carried out due to foetal abnormalities or serious risks to the mother’s health.
Abortions after 27 weeks and six days are extremely rare. All later terminations must be approved by two doctors, and only be carried out if there is significant risk to the woman and the foetus.
Pushing a Discredited Narrative
Despite the facts, Howe has appeared in videos promoting the long-discredited “born alive” myth, which falsely claims that babies are routinely born alive after abortions. She has also argued against women who have abortions being eligible for the federal government’s stillborn baby payment, callously asserting that they are “intentionally inducing a child stillborn.”
Howe’s extreme views and inflammatory rhetoric have drawn strong criticism from experts and lawmakers alike. Labor MLC Russell Wortley stated in parliament that Howe’s positions were “not supported by her employer” and that he had received information debunking “every single item” she had raised.
Backlash and Condemnation
The ‘baby-killers club’ posts have been met with swift and unequivocal condemnation from across the political spectrum. Women’s rights advocates have slammed the images as a blatant attempt to shame and intimidate those who stand up for reproductive freedom.
This kind of hateful, misogynistic rhetoric has no place in our society. It’s a disgraceful attack on women who are simply fighting for their fundamental rights.
– Women’s rights advocate
Many have pointed out the deep hypocrisy of an anti-abortion activist resorting to such vicious and dehumanizing tactics while claiming to champion the sanctity of life. The targeted women have received an outpouring of support, with calls for Howe to retract the posts and issue a public apology.
A Chilling Effect on Free Speech?
Beyond the immediate harm caused by the ‘baby-killers club’ posts, there are concerns that such vicious personal attacks could have a chilling effect on free speech and public discourse. Women in particular may feel intimidated and reluctant to speak out on contentious issues for fear of being targeted by extremists.
We cannot allow this kind of harassment and abuse to become normalized. It’s an attack on our democracy and on the rights of all citizens to participate in public life without fear.
– Civil liberties advocate
As the fallout from Howe’s shocking posts continues, many are calling for a renewed commitment to civility, facts, and good-faith dialogue on sensitive issues like abortion. While the debate is sure to remain heated, resorting to hateful propaganda and personal attacks can only poison the well and make constructive solutions harder to achieve.
The ‘baby-killers club’ scandal has exposed the ugly underbelly of the anti-abortion movement and served as a disturbing reminder of the lengths some will go to in pursuit of their agenda. As South Australia and the nation grapple with this controversy, it is clear that the fight for reproductive rights and women’s dignity is far from over.
