Ginninderra Labor MLA Wayne Berry has called for the election of pro-choice candidates at the October 20 Legislative Assembly election.
A long time campaigner for a woman’s right to choose, Mr Berry successfully moved for abortion law reform in the ACT ultimately establishing the Territory’s clinic for the termination of pregnancy. He also campaigned against Paul Osborne’s legislation which would have closed down pregnancy termination services in the ACT and against the Gary Humphries laws which force women who are considering an abortion to view pictures of foetuses.
Mr Berry has tabled draft legislation to repeal the Crimes Act 1900 provisions on abortion and the Health Regulation (Maternal Health Information) Act 1998 in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
"I believe that abortion must be safe, legal and preferably rare. But it is a fundamental right for women to control their own bodies without being overshadowed by outdated and embarrassing legislation based on the 19th century concept of ownership of women by men.
"Pro-choice electors should ask their candidates the following questions:
- Would you vote in support of abortion services in the ACT?
- Would you vote to decriminalise abortion in the ACT?
- Would you vote to repeal laws which force women to view pictures of foetuses if they are considering an abortion?
"If a candidate says no to any of these questions then pro choice voters can look for candidates who say yes to all three and vote in their favour.
"Pro-choice electors should be wary of candidates who fail to answer these questions.
"At the last election neither Mr Rugendyke, Mr Osborne nor the Liberals told electors they would move to close down abortion services in the ACT and to force women to view pictures of foetuses when considering an abortion.
"The history of the ACT Legislative Assembly is peppered with candidates who get elected with very little of their policies known and the community needs no more surprises suddenly being sprung on them.
"This election candidates must be dragged out into the open on abortion otherwise electors may vote for hidden agendas which could lead to turning back the clock on a woman’s right to choose," Mr Berry concluded.