Labor MP Meaghan Scanlon targets LNP head David Crisafulli on abortion

Labor’s sole Gold Coast MP has lashed out at the Opposition on abortion despite LNP head David Crisafulli vowing “no changes” to the laws in the latest leader’s debate. FULL DETAILS

Labor’s sole Gold Coast MP Meaghan Scanlon continues to call out the Opposition to reveal their personal views on abortion laws.

Opposition leader David Crisafulli was pressed this week for a staggering 132nd time for his position on abortion as the Katter party flags plans for a vote to criminalise terminations if the LNP is elected this month.

Mr Crisafulli said in the latest leaders’ debate this week there would be “no changes” made to the abortion laws introduced by the Labor government in 2018 but refused to provide his personal position on the subject.

“If there were changes to that, I wouldn’t be a very popular person among Queenslanders,” he said during the debate.

Leader of the Opposition David Crisafulli. Picture: Liam Kidston

Three days ago LNP Member for Mudgeeraba and shadow health minister Ros Bates publicly preferenced the anti-abortion Family First party second on her how-to-vote card, while LNP candidates in Springwood, Rockhampton, Redcliffe and the Member for Moggil have expressed support for re-criminalising abortion.

Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said on Thursday - six years on from her party’s decriminalising abortion in Queensland: “Do not let these people con you.”

“It’s about time these Gold Coast LNP members say what their personal view is because this is not a hypothetical,” Ms Scanlon said.

Queensland Opposition Ros Bates and David Crisafulli during the estimate hearings at the Queensland parliament. Picture: NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

“This will become a vote into the next parliament and it’s not fair on Queenslanders to not be upfront about your views.”

“I am the only Gold Coast MP who voted to decriminalise abortion every single sitting,” she said.

“MPs including David Crisafulli voted to keep abortion a crime. There is no evidence these views have changed because none of the LNP members have told us their personal view. The LNP’s refusal to tell women what they will do on a bill that we know will be introduced to parliament is disrespectful to the women of Queensland.”

Back in 2018, three LNP MPs across the state - Tim Nicholls, Steve Minnikin and since-retired Jann Stuckey - voted to decriminalise abortion.

Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Laws allowing midwives and nurses to provide the early pregnancy termination pill MS-2 Step were passed in March this year despite strong opposition from the LNP.

“MS-2 Step a drug that is critical for women in the early phases of pregnancy, particularly in regional or remote Queensland to be able to get a termination,” she said.

“If they’re not able to get access to that drug that means they have to continue with an unwanted pregnancy or to have to find the money to travel to an area to get a surgical abortion later.

“Do not let these people con you. They need to be upfront with people, upfront with women.”