PRO-LIFE GROUPS have given their support to Victorian MP Geoff Shaw’s plan to overhaul the State’s abortion laws.
Last week, it was reported that Mr Shaw was finalising plans for a private member’s bill that he hoped would be debated in State Parliament soon.
The bill proposes six amendments to the existing Victorian abortion laws, which were passed in 2008.
Mr Shaw wants to make partial-birth abortion and gender selection illegal, as well as requiring doctors to resuscitate babies who survive abortion attempts.
His amendments also include the provision of pain relief for foetuses during procedures, mandatory counselling for families and requiring informed consent to be legislated.
The independent MP, who holds the balance of power in Victoria, also wants to repeal section eight of the legislation, which requires doctors who object to abortions to refer their patient to doctors who are willing to perform the abortion.
President of Right to Life Australia Margaret Tighe said she supported the Frankston MP’s proposed bill.
“I have to say that I do compliment him,” she said.
“I believe he’s very genuinely opposed to abortion and I’ve watched him carefully when he’s being interviewed and the sort of things he says really convince me that he’s very genuine and he’s very deeply concerned about the current situation in Victoria.”
While Mrs Tighe said she believed the bill would have a good chance at being passed, she acknowledged it could be difficult for Mr Shaw to have the bill debated.
“It won’t be easy for Mr Shaw,” she said.
“They only have a certain amount of time allocated to debating private member’s business, and there’s not a lot of time between now and November 29, when the election will be held.
“But we’re right behind him and we’ll certainly be doing all we can to make sure that the bill is debated.”
Meanwhile, an online petition asking the Victorian government to amend the abortion laws so doctors have freedom of conscience if they choose not to refer a woman for an abortion has secured more than 5,300 signatures.
Thornbury doctor Nathaniel Essey told Family Voice Australia the Victorian laws are contrary to the Hippocratic Oath restricting freedom of speech.
“Abortion is not a life-saving treatment, it is a lifestyle choice,” Dr Essey said. “I did not study for 12 years in order to kill foetuses or partake in acts of cruelty. This law is not pro-choice, it is no choice.