'Abortion to Birth Bill' passes in South Australia
In spite of a very vigorous campaign to oppose the "Termination of Pregnancies Bill 2020" passed the South Australian Legislative Council (Upper House) on Tuesday 2 March 2021 and will become law. Hansard reported that the motion was carried, without a vote.The Liberal Attorney-General Vickie Chapman who supported the bill claimed it was about giving women choice!
Love Adelaide Rally - 6 February 2021 |
All Members of Parliament had a conscience vote on the bill. The bill allows for late term abortions after 22 weeks and six days - up to birth with few real obstacles.
In summary late term abortions can be approved after two medical practitioners deem it "medically appropriate" and if continuing the pregnancy would involve significant risk of injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant woman.
Many pro-life groups in SA worked hard tp oppose the abortion to birth bill. People were encouraged to be active and they were – Mr. Tysonfrom 40 days for Life SA explained there was a multi-pronged attack including letters and emails written to MPs. 20,000 post cards which were printed, signed and sent to MPs. Weekly protests were held in front of parliament house and a large rally was held by Love Adelaide - a group opposing the bill. Reports of 5000 people attended the rally - held on a very wet day in Adelaide.
See link to Termination of Pregnancy Bill (passed all stages and awaiting assent).
P.S. Sadly South Australia was the first state to legalise abortion in 1970.