AUCKLAND, New Zealand (CWNews.com) - Bishop Patrick Dunn of Auckland this week announced that his diocese will offer any kind of help necessary for women who choose to bear their child rather than abort him.

    Bishop Dunn said the effort is a personal undertaking and will give every possible help, including money, to girls and women undecided about whether to have an abortion. He added that he will use his own money if necessary.

    "I make this pledge to any woman regardless of creed or circumstances and without any conditions attached," he said. "It is a scheme that will allow women the right and freedom to choose life instead of death."

    The offer is similar to one begun two years ago by Cardinal Thomas Winning of Glasgow, Scotland, who has said 107 women have accepted the offer of help and given birth to their babies. The cardinal's offer has been regularly panned in the secular press which has dubbed it "cash for babies."