Every Six Minutes: Baby Booties Blanket Parliament in Plea for Change to Abortion Laws

Canberra, 28 August 2025 — A sea of 4,500 baby booties covered the Front Lawn of Parliament House yesterday in a striking visual display calling for change to Australia’s abortion laws. The display represents the 89,000 babies lost to abortion every year - one every six minutes.

The moving display drew strong political attention, with Senators Matt Canavan, Alex Antic, Jonathon Duniam, Ralph Babet, Matt O’Sullivan, and Malcolm Roberts all in attendance.

Each took to the microphone to address the crowd, lending their voices to the call for greater protections for unborn children and those born alive following abortion. Many others sent their apologies. More than 100 supporters also travelled to Canberra to stand alongside the display.

Michelle Pearse, CEO of the Australian Christian Lobby, said the event symbolises both sorrow and hope:

“Each pair of baby booties represents a life lost, but it also represents the love of thousands of Australians who want to see women properly supported and children protected.”

Australians from every state and territory hand-knitted and posted booties to Canberra for the event, making the lawns of Parliament a patchwork of colour and a symbol of hope for the future.

The annual initiative, launched in 2023, has grown rapidly. Visitors described today’s display as “heartbreaking but hopeful,” pausing to take photos and reflect on the scale of loss - and the urgent need for change.

Pearse said the message to political leaders was clear:

“Abortion leaves deep scars on our nation. These children are not forgotten. Together, we can build a future where women are empowered with real support, and every life is valued.”

Watch the event recap here:

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