The Allan government won’t support the Greens’ push to protect abortion in Victoria
The Allan government has decided not to back the Greens’ push to safeguard access to abortion into the future, prompting concerns it could have “frightening” consequences.
Victoria
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Abortion won’t be enshrined in the Victorian constitution after the Allan government decided against supporting a Greens push to safeguard access into the future.
The private member’s bill would move to protect the right to an abortion from future governments.
Such a proposal requires a 60 per cent super majority in both houses to pass parliament, meaning government support is vital.
Premier Jacinta Allan had previously said she supported the move in principle, but had not seen the contents of what was being proposed.
But the Herald Sun can reveal that the Allan government on Tuesday afternoon decided it wouldn’t support the Greens’ push.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said it was not government practice to support any private members’ bill.
“Women’s bodies should never be up for debate. It is very simple – abortion care is health care,” she said in a statement to the Herald Sun.
“Labor has a strong track record – we decriminalised abortion, delivered safe access zones, and we are focused on improving access to medical and surgical termination through our sexual and reductive health hubs, women’s clinics and public hospitals.
“Victorians know they can trust Labor to always stand up for women’s reproductive healthcare rights.”
While it is against Labor Party rules for politicians to vote against the party, under the national executive, an MP is free to carry out a conscience vote on abortion or voluntary assisted dying.
The push to enshrine abortion into the constitution has been labelled as a “stunt” by some Labor and Liberal politicians.
Outside parliament on Tuesday, Greens leader Ellen Sandell said protecting abortion was essential, claiming there was a “staunchly anti-abortion faction” of the Victorian Liberal Party under new leader Brad Battin.
“It’s frightening that all it takes is for a change of government to threaten our right to safely access abortion in Victoria, especially when the Liberals are lurching further to the right here,” she said.
“In little over a month as leader Brad Battin has welcomed one anti-abortion MP back to the Liberal Party, promoted another to the shadow cabinet, and preselected a third as a candidate for an upcoming by-election.”
Mr Battin on Tuesday said there is “absolutely” no need to change Victoria’s abortion laws, but didn’t say whether he would support the Bill.
He said Coalition MPs would be free to do a conscience vote on the matter.
Women in Victoria can have an abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, although most are performed in the first 12 weeks.
Abortion can still be accessed after 24 weeks in some circumstances but must be approved by two doctors.
Originally published as The Allan government won’t support the Greens’ push to protect abortion in Victoria
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