Joanna Howe, a key figure behind South Australia’s “forced birth” abortion legislation, has sparked outrage by labelling prominent women as members of a “baby-killers club” on social media.
Recognised for her anti-abortion work by politicians at both the state and federal levels, Howe posted images of women like SA Greens leader Tammy Franks on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Franks responded, saying the posts were intended to incite hatred.
Howe has been vocal about her desire to make abortion “unthinkable.” In collaboration with right-wing Liberal senator Alex Antic, she supported a “born alive” bill, which falsely claims that babies are regularly born alive after abortions. This claim has long been debunked but continues to be promoted by conservative factions.
Howe has also campaigned alongside Robbie Katter from Katter’s Australian party, contributing to growing discussions on abortion during Queensland’s election campaign. Her opposition to abortion includes challenging the federal government’s stillborn baby payment for women who have abortions, claiming that later-term abortions are intentionally inducing a stillborn child.
The Labor MLC Russell Wortley criticised Howe during the parliamentary debate on the bill, noting there were no credible sources supporting her claims. He added that her views were not endorsed by her employer, the University of Adelaide.
Despite not responding directly to Guardian Australia’s inquiries, Howe read out the questions on Instagram, dismissing the coverage as a “hit piece.” She later shared graphic abortion content on social media and defended her “baby-killers club” comments, which were accompanied by distorted images of the women involved. Comments on the posts were filled with personal attacks.
The women targeted by Howe, who had opposed her legislation, include prominent figures like SA’s deputy premier, Susan Close, and public health professor Katina D’Onise. Howe had worked with Liberal frontbencher Ben Hood to draft the bill, which aimed to force women seeking an abortion after 27 weeks to give birth and either keep the baby or place it up for adoption. The bill was narrowly defeated in South Australia’s upper house by a vote of 10 to 9.
Howe also runs a website, Justice for the 45, which claims that 45 “healthy” babies have been legally terminated since South Australia’s abortion laws were reformed. However, data from SA Health shows that terminations after 27 weeks are exceedingly rare, occurring only under severe medical circumstances, such as foetal abnormalities or risks to the mother’s life.
Tammy Franks expressed shock at Howe’s posts, questioning why only women politicians were targeted. Connie Bonaros, another politician named by Howe, urged her to reflect on the harm caused to families affected by the difficult decisions surrounding late-term abortions.