The Victorian Government has misled the public over its abortion law reforms which, if passed, would change current clinical practice even though the Government has continually stated this would not be the case, Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) Victorian Director Rob Ward said today.
Mr Ward said the Abortion Law Reform Bill introduced into Parliament yesterday would, for the first time in Victoria’s history, give unfettered legal access to abortion for any reason up to 24 weeks’ gestation, without even the need for a doctor’s agreement. After that, women will also have easy access to late-term abortions, with no criminal penalties for either the woman or the doctor if they flout the law.
“Current clinical practice under the Menhennit Ruling of 1969 involves a doctor deciding whether an abortion is necessary for the sake of the woman’s mental or physical health – both before and after 24 weeks,” Mr Ward said.
“How can the Government pretend that current practice is the same as abortion on demand, with the bill requiring no need for a doctor’s agreement up to 24 weeks? In reality the Government is trying to radically reform abortion laws to make it far easier for women to have abortions with no legal consideration of the human cost.
“This sells out not only the unborn children of this State, but also the women facing unsupported pregnancies who could have greatly benefited from a legislative requirement for them to be provided with greater support and to be made aware of the health risks of abortion and other options available.”
Mr Ward said it is contradictory for a Government with a record of trying to protect children, and introducing measures such as the ‘Working With Children Check’, to care so little for the welfare of unborn children.
“How heart-breaking to see pro-abortionists gloating over a bill which is all about giving legal sanction to the taking of vulnerable lives. Surely that should provide a wake-up call for the government about this legislation.”
Mr Ward urged Victorian politicians to carefully consider what is at stake and to vote against the bill.
“If this bill is passed it means that abortion will be decriminalised right up until a baby is full-term. The bill also does nothing to help women make a real choice based on all the facts and options.”
Source: Australian Christian Lobby
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Government misleads Victorians over abortion law reform
Posted: Wednesday, 20 August 2008, 16:50 (EST)
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