Australia Bill Decriminalizing Abortion Receives Support; Aims to Revoke 3 Sections of Criminal Code

Independent state Parliament member Rob Pyne submitted a bill that aims to decriminalize abortion in Queensland, Australia. It seeks to revoke three sections of the 1899 Criminal Code and has received immense support from various individuals thus far.

 As reported by Crikey, Pyne is suggesting a change on the subject of abortion in Queensland through his newly introduced bill. Abortion remains to be an illegal act in Queensland and NSW but is only considered to be the last option if the fetus proves to be a threat to the mother's physical and mental health.

The new bill seeks to repeal sections 224, 225 and 226 of the 1988 Criminal Code and will legalize abortion until nine months. According to Life News, the Liberal National Party and Labor Party are scheduled to consider the bill within this week.

Pyne's bill was galvanized by the case of a 12 year old that was forced to ask for permission from the Queensland Supreme Court before getting an abortion. The permission had to be taken from the court despite the doctor and the parents' approval of the procedure.

Pyne maintained that the government should adjust to the needs of the modern society. "The world is changing very quickly and unfortunately our politicians aren't," he said. "I have not made any suggestion in relation to gestation periods - whether it be 24 weeks, 20 weeks or whatever - because my main concern is that this Parliament get together and pass law reform in this area, so we need something that a majority of MPs can support." Pyne added.

Pyne has since earned support from various personalities since the submission of the bill. Per The Guardian, deputy premier of Queensland Jackie Trad also expressed her support for the bill. Trad joined a rally outside Queensland Parliament in favor for the bill.

Trad urged the parliament to do its job, and allow women to have the right to choose. Abortion was generally prohibited in Queensland as per 1899 Criminal Code. But a ruling in 1986 concluded that procedures are allowable if the fetus is deemed a risk to the mother.  

Tags

1899 Criminal Code, Rob Pyne, Queensland Australia, Abortion law Australia

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