Valuing Life At Both Ends PDF Print E-mail

There is legislation before State Parliament at the moment that deals with life and death at both ends of the age spectrum.  The first is the push for the decriminalisation of abortion laws; the second is a Private Members Bill to legalise euthanasia.  The Private Members Bill is before parliament at present with debate likely to take place on Wednesday 25th June.  The abortion issue is being prepared for legislation over the next 4-6 weeks.


I would not describe myself as an extremist on either of these ethical issues.  I believe there are occasions when abortion is a legitimate option – for example, when the life of the mother is threatened. Passive Euthanasia is already practiced – that is, palliative care that makes the terminally ill person as comfortable and pain free as possible and does not unnecessarily prolong their life (i.e. turning off life support).

There are already approximately 20,000 abortions performed annually in Victoria.  I understand that keeping abortion on the 1958 Crimes Act list of offences but never prosecuting makes a mockery of the legal system.  However, I do oppose moving abortion to the Health Act as a medical procedure.  I also believe that the constraints put forward by the Australian Christian Lobby need to be upheld.  They are:
• Notice of 72 hours by the mother before practitioners can undertake an abortion.
• Informed consent to an abortion based on mandatory counselling prior to the procedure, and
• Legal prohibition against coercion by partner or family in respect of the woman’s choice.
It is important for Christians to be well-informed, prayerful and intelligently vocal at times like these. If you want more information go to www.makeastand.org.au and click on the issue you want to look at and do something to make a difference.

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