A controversial fundraising initiative by anti-abortion activist Joanna Howe has been referred for investigation by South Australia’s attorney general. The fundraiser, described as a “fun little game,” was launched amidst a heated debate over late-pregnancy abortion legislation in South Australia. The game, which mimicked a bingo card, was intended to raise funds for an anti-abortion campaign as the state’s legislative council debated a bill aimed at restricting abortion access later in pregnancy. The bill was ultimately defeated by a vote of 11 to 8.
Joanna Howe, known for her collaborations with conservative politicians on state and federal bills to limit abortion rights, introduced the game on Wednesday. The timing coincided with the legislative council’s debate, which saw several members visibly distressed. Howe worked closely with former One Nation MLC Sarah Game, now an independent, on the proposed legislation and appeared alongside her at a press conference announcing its introduction.
The Controversial Fundraiser
Dubbed “Sarah’s Game,” the fundraiser encouraged participants to “buy” words and phrases that Howe claimed revealed the “cliched, predictable, and evil language used by pro-abortion politicians.” Among the phrases were “between a woman and her doctor,” “misinformation and/or disinformation,” and “trust the experts.” Initially, Howe stated that the game would be accessible only through a private link, but it was publicly available until Thursday morning.
The game drew immediate criticism. Greens MLC Robert Simms told parliament that the game trivialized the debate and debased the institution. Independent MLC Tammy Franks expressed horror at the notion of charging people to play a game centered on such a sensitive issue. “This is not an episode of Black Mirror. This is literally something that happened in SA,” Franks remarked in parliament.
“She seems to always be on the grift,” Franks added, noting the absence of words related to those who would lose access to abortion under the proposed legislation, such as “rape,” “incest,” and “sexual slavery.”
Political and Social Reactions
The attorney general of South Australia, Kyam Maher, announced that he would refer the game to the appropriate authorities for investigation. The top prize of the game was a dinner with Howe and her husband, furniture designer James Howe. Despite the backlash, Howe remained defiant, stating on Instagram that “as predicted the left is melting down over our game.”
Sarah Game, who collaborated with Howe on the legislation, told InDaily she was unaware of the game until after its launch and did not have strong feelings about it. Howe has been previously banned from state parliament following alleged “threatening and intimidating tactics” related to another late-term abortion bill she supported. She has denied any wrongdoing and intends to challenge the ban.
Background and Broader Implications
Joanna Howe, a law professor at the University of Adelaide specializing in labor migration, has been a prominent figure in the anti-abortion movement. Her activism has extended beyond South Australia, with rallies and petitions gaining national attention. Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott appeared at a rally she organized in New South Wales, and One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts promoted her petition on “Priya’s law.”
Howe’s influence has also reached federal politics. She claims her movement can take “full credit” for bringing the issue of late-term abortion to the national agenda. Her efforts have been supported by various politicians, including Coalition senators Matt Canavan and Alex Antic, who have appeared with her at press conferences and rallies.
However, her activism has not been without controversy. MPs opposing anti-abortion legislation have reported receiving abuse and death threats following the controversies stirred by Howe’s campaigns. Howe’s rallies and social media presence have been instrumental in mobilizing support for her cause, but they have also intensified the political and social divide on the issue.
Looking Ahead
The investigation into Howe’s fundraiser could have significant implications for her future activism and the broader anti-abortion movement in Australia. As the debate over abortion rights continues to evolve, the actions and strategies of activists like Howe will remain under scrutiny. The outcome of the investigation may influence how similar fundraising efforts are conducted and regulated in the future.
As South Australia navigates the complexities of abortion legislation, the state’s political landscape is likely to witness ongoing debates and potential legislative proposals. The intersection of activism, politics, and social issues will continue to shape the discourse around reproductive rights in the region.
