This bill was only given to select parliamentarians on Saturday 27 July, and those who spent months secretly preparing this bill want to rush it through parliament in just a matter of days. We, the undersigned, represent major faith communities in NSW and are united in saying:

Human life begins at conception. This is not only a religious tenet, but taught in every reputable medical textbook in use today.

The bill is just as extreme as the one that was voted down in 2017, as it would allow abortion up until birth on the advice of two medical practitioners.

The right of conscience for medical workers is overridden in that such workers are required to refer patients to practitioners who will carry out the procedure.

Abortion does not need to be further encouraged. A pregnant woman requires help and support, not a quick answer which will ultimately harm her. The bill does nothing to provide real choices for women who feel they have no option other than abortion.

We call on all parties to drop this misnamed bill and, instead, do what makes for genuine health care.

• Most Rev. Anthony Fisher OP, Archbishop, Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney

• Right Rev. Dr Michael Stead, Bishop of South Sydney Anglican Diocese of Sydney

• Rabbi Chaim Ingram OAM, Honorary Secretary Rabbinical Council of NSW

• Imam Shadi Alsuleiman, President Australian National Imams Council

• Rev. Dr Peter Barnes, Moderator-General Designate Presbyterian Church of Australia