ID :
16405
Wed, 08/20/2008 - 00:29
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/16405
The shortlink copeid
Abortion bill tabled in Vic parliament
Victorian women who can't afford to raise a child could use financial hardship as an excuse to have a late term abortion.
New laws tabled in state parliament on Tuesday would give women open access toabortion up to 24 weeks into pregnancy.
But women in the later stages of pregnancy could also qualify at a doctor's discretion.
Under the laws to decriminalise abortion, a doctor would decide if a late termination was "appropriate" based on the woman's physical, psychological andsocial circumstances and with the backing of a second opinion.
"Social, psychological and physical could be read to be issues of income, issues of poverty, issues of incest, issues of rape, issues of a whole range of differentthings," Victorian Health Minister Daniel Andrews said.
The landmark legislation is based on the recommendations of the Victorian Law ReformCommission and would remove abortion from the Crimes Act.
Abortions are currently performed under a 39-year-old common law ruling providedthey protect the health of the woman.
All sides of parliament have been given a conscience vote on the bill, which isexpected to become law by the end of this year.
Victorian Premier John Brumby anticipates a smooth passage through both houses ofparliament, despite foreshadowing divisive and emotional debate.
Two protesters were ejected from the public gallery on Tuesday as the bill wasintroduced, including one woman shouting "thou shalt not kill".
While the right to life lobby opposes the reforms, others argue the laws don't gofar enough.
Pro-Choice Victoria spokeswoman Dr Leslie Cannold said abortion at any stage was amatter of choice, arguing "the moral issues are best managed by the woman herself".
Upper House Greens MP Colleen Hartland agrees it should not be up to doctors to decide.
But Mr Brumby said the laws strike the best balance and reflect abortion practicesalready occurring in Victoria.
He denied it would trigger a surge in terminations.
About 20,000 abortions are performed in Victoria each year. Less than one per centare after 20 weeks.
Women's Affairs Minister Maxine Morand introduced the bill, saying if passed "abortions will be regulated like any other medical procedure", giving women anddoctors legal certainty.
Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu signalled his support.
"In this day and age I believe women should be able to exercise their choice without fear of unwarranted persecution, prosecution or stigma." But Right to Life Australia president Margaret Tighe said unborn children had rightstoo.
"You've got a right to decide whether or not to engage in sexual intercourse, whether or not you become pregnant but once that has occurred the rights and responsibilities are different, it's simply an issue of killing people." She said the government was only pushing for reform because it had failed to enforceexisting abortion laws.
Nationals Leader Peter Ryan will oppose the bill, which is also set to divide the ALP.
New laws tabled in state parliament on Tuesday would give women open access toabortion up to 24 weeks into pregnancy.
But women in the later stages of pregnancy could also qualify at a doctor's discretion.
Under the laws to decriminalise abortion, a doctor would decide if a late termination was "appropriate" based on the woman's physical, psychological andsocial circumstances and with the backing of a second opinion.
"Social, psychological and physical could be read to be issues of income, issues of poverty, issues of incest, issues of rape, issues of a whole range of differentthings," Victorian Health Minister Daniel Andrews said.
The landmark legislation is based on the recommendations of the Victorian Law ReformCommission and would remove abortion from the Crimes Act.
Abortions are currently performed under a 39-year-old common law ruling providedthey protect the health of the woman.
All sides of parliament have been given a conscience vote on the bill, which isexpected to become law by the end of this year.
Victorian Premier John Brumby anticipates a smooth passage through both houses ofparliament, despite foreshadowing divisive and emotional debate.
Two protesters were ejected from the public gallery on Tuesday as the bill wasintroduced, including one woman shouting "thou shalt not kill".
While the right to life lobby opposes the reforms, others argue the laws don't gofar enough.
Pro-Choice Victoria spokeswoman Dr Leslie Cannold said abortion at any stage was amatter of choice, arguing "the moral issues are best managed by the woman herself".
Upper House Greens MP Colleen Hartland agrees it should not be up to doctors to decide.
But Mr Brumby said the laws strike the best balance and reflect abortion practicesalready occurring in Victoria.
He denied it would trigger a surge in terminations.
About 20,000 abortions are performed in Victoria each year. Less than one per centare after 20 weeks.
Women's Affairs Minister Maxine Morand introduced the bill, saying if passed "abortions will be regulated like any other medical procedure", giving women anddoctors legal certainty.
Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu signalled his support.
"In this day and age I believe women should be able to exercise their choice without fear of unwarranted persecution, prosecution or stigma." But Right to Life Australia president Margaret Tighe said unborn children had rightstoo.
"You've got a right to decide whether or not to engage in sexual intercourse, whether or not you become pregnant but once that has occurred the rights and responsibilities are different, it's simply an issue of killing people." She said the government was only pushing for reform because it had failed to enforceexisting abortion laws.
Nationals Leader Peter Ryan will oppose the bill, which is also set to divide the ALP.
