The Wire

Following the consecutive conservative election victories in Australia and the United States, the Abortion debate has been reignited. The banning of late term abortions in the US lead to calls from Catholic Liberal MP Christopher Pyne calling for a similar ban here in Australia. In the past fortnight, fifteen Liberal members have expressed their position on the debate with all women opposed to any changes. Health Minister Tony Abbott labelled the rate of abortions in Australia “epidemic” and the product of ” a culture of convenience”, while Governer General Michael Jeffry also bought into the debate, saying it would be beneficial if the rate was cut. The Opposition is now calling for Prime Minister John Howard to reveal any plans he may have to change abortion laws and Medicare funding to abortion precedures. Dr Leslie Cannold, from the Centre of Applied Philosphy and Public Ethics at the University of Melbournes, told Alma Mistry it’s all old news and Tony Abott’s diagnosis is wrong. She also spoke to Margaret Kirkby from the Bessie Smyth Foundation who believes counselling should be impartial.