Action Australia

ABORTION DEBATE ‘ALIVE AND KICKING’ IN VICTORIA

With all sides of the abortion debate agreeing that there are too many abortions performed in Australia, the Australian Christian Lobby has expressed shock today that a private members bill further liberalizing abortion is being put forward in the Victorian Parliament.

ACL Victorian Chief of Staff, Rob Ward, said the one issue of consensus to emerge from last year’s Federal Parliamentary debate on the abortion pill RU486 was that politicians on both sides of the debate and the wider Australian public were uncomfortable with the number of abortions performed in Australia each year.

“It is interesting that this debate has emerged just months out from a Federal election where people concerned about protecting unborn babies and women from the damage caused by abortion will be watching carefully how representatives of the major parties vote when the private members bill comes before the Victorian Parliament.

“If passed, this private members bill would increase the number of abortions, something most Australians are uncomfortable with,” Mr Ward said.

Abortion is allowed in most States and territories if the life of the mother is threatened.

“ACL has supported Federal Government attempts to reduce the number of abortions by providing counseling services designed to better inform women about their pregnancy options.

“That some members of the Victorian Parliament are seeking to introduce abortion on demand flies in the face of these worthy efforts. Apart from the loss of human life, the adverse physical and psychological impacts on women is now well documented.

“This, along with the increased availability of technology that allows us to see clearly in to the womb has made more and more people uneasy with the idea of unrestricted abortion,” Mr Ward said.

Media Contact: Rob Ward on 0408 348 352

Email: viccos@acl.org.au

Website: www.acl.org.au