http://www.democrats.org.au/news/index.htm?press_id=4397&display=1
Democrats Give Voice to Pro Choice Debate
The Australian Democrats have launched a petition that calls for no changes
that would make it more difficult for women to access abortions.
The petition asks the Parliament to support a woman's fundamental right to
safe, affordable and legal abortion, and to oppose any moves to restrict or
to impose conditions on womens access to termination of a pregnancy,
Democrats Leader Senator Lyn Allison said.
"This gives a voice to those who feel their rights and the rights of others
are being threatened.
Senator Allison, said the debate on abortion over the last few months had
been very one-sided, dominated by the views of older men from the church and
politics.
"I think it is time for those of us who are pro-choice to stop turning the
other cheek and to recognise that this debate is not going to go away.
"Male MPs must stop making women feel ashamed, guilty and fearful.
"We do not want a return to the bad old days of expensive, illegal and
dangerous abortions, in the hope that women will bear children they do not
want," said Senator Allison.
"There are ways we can reduce the number of abortions in Australia without
reducing the availability of safe, legal and affordable terminations.
"As in all health matters, prevention is better than cure. Sex education and
emergency contraception are the keys to reducing the numbers of unwanted
pregnancies.
The petition can be completed online or printed out and is available at
http://www.democrats.org.au/campaigns/pro_choice_petition/
Senator Allisons speech to the Senate this week on the abortion debate
http://www.democrats.org.au/speeches/index.htm?speech_id=1526
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