Premier Gladys Berejiklian, other ministers flag support for decriminalising abortion in NSW
Several churches have blasted proposed legislation to decriminalise abortion which will be introduced to NSW parliament this week, slamming it as an ‘attack on the sanctity of life’. Premier Gladys Berejiklian and the health minister line up to support the legislation.
- Abortion law set to be overturned
- US state passes strict abortion law
- Poll: Do you support decriminalisation of abortion?
Churches have slammed a historic bill which is supported by premier Gladys Berejiklian to decriminalise abortion in NSW, claiming it would legalise the killing of unborn babies.
The architects of the bill to allow abortion upon request from a registered doctor up to 22-weeks gestation are confident support is firming in both houses of parliament.
Abortions would be legal beyond 22-weeks, however women will need the approval of two doctors who will determine whether they have a valid medical reason.
MORE NEWS
Police seize bikie-linked tattoo parlour
Probe into ugly mass brawl at suburban footy game
Bombshell: Why suppressed Jack’s failed drug test
Abortions are currently still dealt with under the state’s 119-year-old criminal code.
Ms Berejiklian and a number of senior ministers including Sarah Mitchell and Stuart Ayres signalled on Monday they would support the legislation.
Independent MP Alex Greenwich, who is hoping to introduce the legislation in the lower house today, said momentum was “with the bill”.
However Mr Greenwich warned “nothing is guaranteed” with the bill needing 47 votes to pass the Legislative Assembly.
The Reproductive Healthcare Reform Bill 2019 is designed to bring NSW into line with other states and territories by regulating the termination of pregnancies as a medical procedure.
The legislation — which is being overseen by Health Minister Brad Hazzard — has been drafted by a group of cross-party MPs including Labor’s Penny Sharpe and Jo Haylen, and National Trevor Khan.
It is also being co-sponsored by 15 MPs from various parties.
However several churches are furious over the proposed reforms and are urging members to lobby their local MPs.
Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher encouraged Catholics to rally against the proposed law, which he described as “an attack on the sanctity of life” that “must be strongly opposed”.
Presbyterian Church of Australia Rev. Dr Peter Barnes accused Mr Greenwich and Mr Hazzard of pushing a “myth that abortion is about a woman’s reproductive rights and, more insidiously, health care. It is, of course, about killing unborn babies.”
Anglican Archbishop Dr Glenn Davies urged MPs to use their conscience vote to reject the bill, saying widespread community consultation was still needed.
Some MPs also have reservations over the suggested changes.
A spokeswoman for Labor’s Edmond Atalla said he didn’t support the bill.
“He has concerns that at 22-weeks and over, a foetus is fully developed and (he) does not agree that a termination should be allowed due to a person’s social circumstances,” she said.
According to NSW Pro-Choice Alliance, 0.7 per cent to 2.8 per cent of abortions occur after 20 weeks gestation.
Family Planning NSW Medical Director Dr Deborah Bateson said 22-weeks “allows time for the diagnosis of foetal abnormalities that often cannot be detected earlier”.
It’s understood fellow Labor MPs Tania Mihailuk, Courtney Houssos and Guy Zangari are also opposed to the proposed bill. Several independent MPs plan to support the bill.
Jewish community hosts vigil to remember terror victims
An early morning vigil has been held at Bondi Beach on the anniversary of October 7 Hamas Terror attack in Israel. Members of the Jewish community, dignitaries, MPs and survivors were in attendance.
Fears October 7 anniversary could ignite unrest in Sydney
Fears of unrest in Sydney consume the first anniversary of Hamas’ terror attack, after pro-Palestinian protesters swarmed the CBD on Sunday, taking aim at state and federal politicians.