ABORTION RADIO SPECIAL

Sunday 13th February 2005

TONIGHT

Another 3AW RADIO HEALTH SPECIAL - THE ABORTION DEBATE

6-8pm (eastern summertime)

on 1278 3AW Melbourne

click here to listen from anywhere in the world

put your views - call 613 9696 1278 or email me ( click on button at left )

Thursday 11th November 2004

ABORTION IN AUSTRALIA

I am very concerned about the post election political rhetoric surrounding Abortion in Australia. There are no new issues to debate. There is no new issue requiring legislation change. There is no "epidemic" and the National Abortion figures quoted by the Federal Minister for Health of 100,000 abortions IS NOT CORRECT . Also contrary to inferences statistics show that Teen abortions in this country have actually DECLINED over the last decade . Beware of political marketing - get the facts right ( I wish the Health Minister would !)

Women have been having abortions for centuries. These days, in Australia at least, they can choose to have them comfortable in the knowledge that they are safe, hygienic medical procedures. Women do not like having abortions. They choose to do so only after careful consideration of the options. In Australia they are always counselled before hand.

No one should be forced to have an abortion against their will , but equally no one should be forced to risk their life by having an unsafe procedure. It is naive to think that changing a law would stop abortions. It would only drive women underground and women would die as a result. I am pleased to hear the Prime Minister state that there is no government intention to change the Law. I respect the right of those who believe that abortion is wrong. However obviously in this Country more people believe it is acceptable for women to have the right to choose, otherwise abortions would not be legally obtainable. I do not believe that this is something for party debate in the political back rooms. We had an election only last month. Abortion was NOT on the agenda when we voted why, in a matter of weeks has it become a political issue ?

I have prepared an information sheet - you can read it by clicking here