Treasurer Dominic Perrottet declares opposition to abortion law

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet — who’s about to add to his brood of five kids — has declared his opposition to the abortion decriminalisation bill, saying he cannot support laws that could stop ‘the beating heart of an unborn child’.

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NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet will vote against decriminalising abortion, declaring he could not support laws that stopped “the beating heart of an unborn child”.

Breaking his silence on the proposed abortion bill, the Catholic father of five, who will soon welcome a new baby to the family, says he had serious concerns with the proposed laws and believes they are out of step with many in the community.

Dominic Perrottet at home with his wife Helen and children Harriet, 8 months, William 2, Annabelle, 4, Amelia, 6, and Charlotte, 8. Picture: Jenny Evans

The removal of criminal restrictions on abortion “right up to birth” — allowing terminations at five months for any reason, which he claims includes gender ­selection and disability — and forcing doctors with a conscientious objection to refer patients to another medical professional were among his chief concerns.

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The comments come ahead of what will be an emotionally charged debate in State Parliament, with the provision to allow women to have a termination at 22 weeks and later expected to be the focus.

Introduced by independent Alex Greenwich, the Reproductive Health Care Reform Bill has triggered a revolt among MPs, with some conservatives accusing the left of rushing to support the laws without proper consultation.”

I understand people have different views and, while I acknowledge many of the reasons they have for supporting this bill, including deeply personal reasons, I cannot in good conscience support a bill which stops the beating heart of an unborn child,” Mr Perrottet said.

“While late-term abortions may be rare, that doesn’t necessarily make them right.

“This bill removes the requirement that late-term abortions are only to be performed to preserve the health and wellbeing of the mother.

“Instead, it allows late-term abortions right up to birth without any real restrictions.

“Gladys Berejiklian and I agree on most things. On this issue we agree to disagree.”

Based on laws in Queensland and Victoria, the bill will ensure terminations are lawful for women up to 22 weeks “on request” if performed by a registered doctor.

After 22 weeks — a period chosen based on when a foetus is able to survive outside the womb — a termination will only be lawful if two doctors give the go-ahead after considering relevant medical circumstances and the woman’s current and future “physical, psychological and social circumstances”.

Ms Berejiklian, Labor and the Shooters have granted MPs a conscience vote on the bill.

Mr Perrottet said MPs were being given a conscience vote but the bill denied doctors the freedom to act on their conscience.

It is understood the Epping MP will move an amendment so doctors who object, including for medical reasons, do not have to refer a patient elsewhere.

“This isn’t a decision I have made lightly and I have considered many situations which could challenge my thinking,” Mr Perrottet said.

A senior left source said those supporting the bill were “quietly optimistic” of having the numbers for it to pass.

Originally published as Treasurer Dominic Perrottet declares opposition to abortion law