Tasmanian Greens health spokesperson Cecily Rosol has apologised for using the phrase “Sophie’s Choice” in a media release about equipment shortages at the Royal Hobart Hospital.
“It was thoughtless and insensitive to not reflect on the historic use of a phrase,” Rosol said.
“I unreservedly apologise for the use of a phrase that has origins in such devastation and tragedy.”
The phrase originates from a 1979 novel and 1982 film depicting a mother forced to choose which of her children would die in a Nazi concentration camp.
While fictional, the story draws on accounts from Holocaust survivors forced to make harrowing decisions that led to family members being sent to their deaths.
Health Minister Bridget Archer had demanded the Greens withdraw the comment, saying it made light of the Holocaust.
“Their comparison of health equipment to the atrocities of World War Two should be condemned,” she said.
“This abhorrent comment comes as Australia listens to the painful testimonies of our Jewish community at the Royal Commission.”
Archer said it was part of a pattern, pointing to an earlier incident this year in which the Greens “trivialised the horrific acts of Joseph Stalin”.
“This behaviour is unacceptable by a political party,” she said.
The media release was issued under the title: “Sonographers’ Sophie’s Choice”.
Rosol had used the term to describe a dilemma facing sonographers – staff who perform ultrasounds – at the hospital.
She said they were being forced to choose between a new ultrasound machine or new patient couches because of budget constraints.
“Equipment that’s too old or no longer fit for purpose can’t possibly meet the health needs of Tasmanians and should be replaced,” Rosol said in the original release.
“It’s not acceptable for patients and health professionals to have to put up with sub-standard equipment and healthcare.”
