How every SA upper house MP voted on Ben Hood’s abortion reform bill
Controversial late-term abortion reforms were quashed by state parliament’s upper house in a chaotic vote last night. Here’s how every member voted – and why.
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Controversial late-term abortion reforms were quashed by state parliament’s upper house on Wednesday night in a tight 10-9 vote.
The bill, introduced by Liberal MLC Ben Hood, would have required mothers seeking abortions after 28 weeks to deliver their baby alive.
The vote followed a lengthy debate in parliament and public campaigns ran by both sides of the argument.
Members of parliament on both sides of politics were allowed a conscience vote on the matter, meaning they did not have to vote along party lines.
So how did they vote – and why?
VOTED FOR
Ben Hood (introduced the bill) – Liberal
“This bill seeks to protect vulnerable lives, humanely treat viable unborn children and preserve compassion in our laws. The bill is not about taking away a woman’s rights or limiting her autonomy; it is about drawing a clear and humane line once a baby reaches viability at 28 weeks.”
Nicola Centofanti – Liberal
“Individuals in opposition to the bill argue that abortion is health care. Abortion is fundamentally different from other forms of health care because it involves another life, in addition to that of the pregnant woman. While people may assign different values to unborn lives, it remains a biological fact that a second life is present.”
Laura Henderson – Liberal
“I have heard some say that this should not be a decision for the parliament, that this is a decision for a doctor and the woman. Respectfully, I absolutely think that it is the place of this parliament to safeguard children.”
Jing Lee – Liberal
“As a Buddhist, I have been brought up in a community where we believe that life should not be destroyed. We regard those who are causing death as morally wrong if the death is caused deliberately and by negligence. Buddhists regard life as starting at conception.”
Heidi Girolamo – Liberal
“Most South Australians would not be aware that abortions can happen to viable babies after 28 weeks. I believe not having a clear limit creates uncertainty … and grave concerns have been raised by a midwife for the sake of the doctors and nurses who are involved in administering such late-term abortions.”
Clare Scriven – Labor
“Some have said this bill would be pointless even if passed because it would have an impact on so few … if five newborns in an intensive care unit had their lives deliberately ended would we say ‘Never mind, it’s only five?’ I submit that we would not. I therefore submit that this bill has the potential to protect such lives.”
Sarah Game – One Nation
“How can anyone suggest that delivering a stillborn child is preferable to the delivery of a living breathing baby? It can only make sense to a society that has lost its moral compass and a medical profession that sees pregnancy as a problem to be removed rather than a moral and ethical dilemma that needs to be thoughtfully and ethically resolved.”
Frank Pangallo – Independent
“I believe the bill before us is borne out of compassion and the right to life of the unborn, as well as the mother.”
Tung Ngo – Labor
(Did not speak on the bill)
VOTED AGAINST
Kyam Maher – Labor
“Put simply, this bill poses a real and significant danger not only to the physical health and safety of all women but to women’s fundamental right to bodily autonomy. ”
Russell Wortley – Labor
“I have been involved in many social conscience issues over time … one thing is important: we have to do it based on proper advice. We have to do it because not to do it would lead to some very bad legislation – legislation which people who support this bill now might not like in the future.”
Connie Bonaros – SA-Best
“Sadly, life is not all about rainbows and unicorns, and pregnancies are not always filled with teddies and pink, blue and even yellow balloons. No one makes this decision easily. It pains me greatly and, I am sure, other people in this place to think what any woman who has found herself in this position has been confronted with over recent weeks.”
Tammy Franks – Greens
“It is not appropriate for politicians to decide on behalf of a medical team and a pregnant person each and every circumstance that they face in their lives when it comes to the issue of termination of pregnancy.”
Robert Simms – Greens
“I am opposed to this bill not only because it is Greens policy to stand for women’s reproductive rights but also because I consider this bill to be morally reprehensible. There are already significant safeguards in place when it comes to women accessing late-term abortions.”
Emily Bourke – Labor
(Did not speak on the bill)
Ian Hunter – Labor
(Did not speak on the bill)
Justin Hanson – Labor
(Did not speak on the bill)
Mira El Dannawi – Labor
(Did not speak on the bill)
Reggie Martin – Labor
(Did not speak on the bill)
PAIRED
Dennis Hood – Liberal – would have voted for
“I simply reject the notion that the value of an individual human life is dependent upon whether it is viewed as being wanted or not. It should not be, in my view. If the child is viable then it has an inalienable right to life. That is my view; it will not change, full stop.”
Michelle Lensink – Liberal – would have voted against
Ms Lensink is on sick leave so did not speak on the bill on Wednesday night but has been outspoken in her opposition to the reform.
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