Abortion law reformer Wayne Berry introduced legislation to repeal the Crimes Act 1900 provisions on abortion and the Health Regulation (Maternal Health Information) Act 1998 in the ACT Legislative Assembly today.
The Crimes Act 1900 carries a penalty of up to 10 years gaol for a woman procuring an abortion, for a doctor who performs an abortion or a person who provides drugs to perform an abortion. The Health Regulation (Maternal Health Information) Act 1998 legislates the requirements on women seeking an abortion and was used to require women to view pictures of foetuses.
In introducing his legislation Mr Berry said, "Outdated laws which prescribe a gaol sentence for abortions and laws that require women to view pictures of foetuses have no place in society in the year 2001. That these laws remain in force in the Territory is a matter of great shame for 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 But it is a fundamental right for women to control their own bodies without being overshadowed by outdated and embarrassing legislation based on the 19th century concept of ownership of women by men.
"During the Assembly election campaign I give my unequivocal commitment to move to repeal these laws - and today I have moved to carry out that commitment.
"Over my period in the Assembly I have consistently advocated abortion law reform and the provision of support and counselling service for women who find themselves with an unwanted pregnancy. As a committed abortion law reformer I have actively campaigned for the repeal of this outdated legislation. I am now seeking the support of other MLA’s to pass this legislation.
"The Health Regulation (Maternal Health Information) Act 1998 was, on its introduction, the beginning of a low point in the relationship between the last Assembly and the community. I hold a great deal of regret about the passage of this legislation, not only because of my personal commitment to a woman’s right to choose, but also for the anxiety that this caused among so many members of the community who regard this legislation as bad law.
"It is my view that the Assembly needs to restore its standing in the community in relation to women’s issues and the two pieces of legislation I have introduced today will go a long way towards that," Mr Berry concluded.