Abortion To Be Decriminalised In Australia?

Makedde · #1 (**permalink**) 05-30-2008, 09:09 PM

Such is the debate raging over here as I speak. Our polititians are going to have what they refer to as a 'conscience' vote on the issue.

Decriminalising abortion would mean that abortion would no longer be considered a criminal offence, as technically, abortion is a crime under Victorian law.

There are three options being weighed up in the debate, and these options are:

1. The first option would put the onus of deciding whether the continuation of a woman's pregnancy posed a risk of harm to the mother on the doctor

2. In the second option, the onus shifts to the consent of a woman, but only up to 24 weeks' gestation. After then, an abortion would be lawful only if a doctor deemed that continuing the pregnancy posed a risk of harm.

3. In the final option, a woman's consent would provide for lawful abortion throughout pregnancy.

The Greens have already stated that they will vote for option three - the right to abortion at all stages of pregnancy.

I think people know me well enough to know that my vote is also for option 3.
Because I support choice, I do not wish to see the choice taken away from some women, because it isn't choice at all, it's a restriction. Is legalising abortion up until 24 weeks, then banning it after that period actually choice at all, or restriction?

Anyway, what are everyones thoughts on this one? I did think about posting this in the Australia forum, but as the topic is about abortion, I thought this forum was more appropriate.

Abortion Vote

TheChief · #2 (**permalink**) 05-30-2008, 09:50 PM

I didn't know it was illegal anywere in australia..

Makedde · #3 (**permalink**) 05-31-2008, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheChief

I didn't know it was illegal anywere in australia..

I know it is technically illegal in Victoria, not sure about other States. It comes from an old law that was passed back 1967, which said something about abortion only being permitted if the life or physical health of the mother was at risk. It's a law that women have circumvented for years.

Makedde · #4 (**permalink**) 05-31-2008, 12:22 AM

I was going to make a poll, but I forgot, and now the edit button is gone!

Maybe a Mod'll see this and make a poll with each option for me...

TheChief · #5 (**permalink**) 05-31-2008, 12:46 AM

Im at a loss with this subject.. the conservative in me is against it but the libertarian is for it.. and im a male so i can't relate to the whole issue..

Makedde · #6 (**permalink**) 05-31-2008, 12:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheChief

Im at a loss with this subject.. the conservative in me is against it but the libertarian is for it.. and im a male so i can't relate to the whole issue..

You still have the right to an opinion.

So you have read the three options - which option would you prefer?

TheChief · #7 (**permalink**) 05-31-2008, 01:00 AM

I would go for the second option.

Makedde · #8 (**permalink**) 05-31-2008, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheChief

I would go for the second option.

It's more than likely to be the option the polititians vote for.

TheChief · #9 (**permalink**) 05-31-2008, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Makedde

It's more than likely to be the option the polititians vote for.

Good i should be one

Makedde · #10 (**permalink**) 05-31-2008, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheChief

Good i should be one

Really? Which side would you be on...

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