A national debate on abortion law reform has been ignited in South Australia where there is a fresh legislative push requiring mothers seeking terminations after 28 weeks to deliver their babies alive – allowing the child to be put up for adoption. Source: The Australian.
Touted by its supporters as a “world-first”, a private member’s bill will be introduced in the South Australian Parliament today by Liberal frontbencher Ben Hood aimed at ensuring pregnancy terminations after 27 weeks and six days are achieved through the early induction of labour.
The push has divided the South Australian Liberals, with new Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia making clear the bill did not reflect Liberal policy and the party agreeing on Monday night to grant a conscience vote to MPs.
Supporters of the legislative shake-up to late-term abortion also said about 1500 people were expected to attend a rally on the steps of SA Parliament this afternoon to coincide with the introduction of the bill.
The husband of a midwife, Mr Hood said his legislation would amend an existing 2021 state law that had allowed for terminations in limited circumstances after 22 weeks and 6 days, subject to the approval of two doctors.
Mr Hood said his bill would address an “unintended consequence” of the 2021 law given that – between July 2022 and December 2023 – the reason given for 45 out of 57 terminations beyond the 22 week and 6 day threshold was for the “physical or mental health of the pregnant person”.
University of Adelaide law professor Joanna Howe helped draft Mr Hood’s live births bill said it would strike an “effective balance between the competing interests of a mother and her viable child through ensuring that foeticide is banned and the child is delivered alive.”
Foeticide is a procedure performed by ultrasound specialists who administer an intracardiac injection, which causes the heart of the unborn child to stop beating. The child is then delivered stillborn.
Abortion advocate and retired obstetrician Brian Peat said babies born alive at 28 weeks would need to be given care and would represent a “great impost on the system”.
FULL STORY
‘World-first’ bill sparks new debate on abortion in South Australia (By Joe Kelly, The Australian)
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Liberal MP Ben Hood to introduce amendments to SA’s current abortion laws (ABC News)
