Did the Church of Scientology force employees to have abortions?

More high weirdness from the Church of Scientology. This time, the Australian branch is accused of torturing and embezzling money from its followers and — get this — forcing employees to have abortions. The accusations have been leveled by Nick Xenophon who, by dint of his name, should actually be a Scientologist — not “a maverick independent politician from South Australia.” As recounted by the Times, the charges are pure madness:

Former followers, who are willing to be questioned by police over the allegations, reported crimes ranging from forced imprisonment, coerced abortions, embezzlement of church funds, physical violence, intimidation and blackmail.

• Paul Schofield admitted to being part of a campaign to cover up the facts surrounding the death of his two daughters, including two and a half-year-old Kirsty, who died during a purification programme.

• Aaron Saxton confined and tortured a follower and coerced females to have abortions, one who used a coat hanger for fear of punishment. He also has details of murder confessions from members in the US, information that was never passed on to police.

• Carmel Underwood was put under “extreme pressure” to have an abortion, and witnessed a young sexually abused girl being coached on how to keep it secret.

• Anna and Dean Detheridge, who were forced to reject a gay relative, provided evidence that personal information was used to blackmail and control them.

• Kevin Mackey revealed how he handed over nearly a million dollars in exchange for services and products after he was conditioned by the sect.

• Peta O’Brien was discouraged from seeking treatment for cancer, was cut off from her son and provided evidence of being assaulted.

Xenophon, who has called for a Senate inquiry, rejects Scientology as a religion. Rather, he says, it’s “a criminal organisation that hides behind its so-called religious beliefs.”

Church of Scientology accused of torture and forced abortions – Times Online .