In Queensland, we know what it means to fight for the right to choose. The freedom to make personal, private decisions about reproductive health has been hard-won, and it’s something the women and pregnant people of Queensland value deeply.
But this week, our frontline team is hearing a rising concern from those we serve. Pregnant people are picking up on the media buzz surrounding abortion, and it’s creating an unsettling atmosphere that risks access to necessary health treatment.
Queenslanders have been making some Nation-leading advances in abortion access, and this year, we have seen that in significant commitments and actions from Queensland Health within the Women and Girls Health Strategy and the Termination of Pregnancy Action Plan 2032.
Prior to the upcoming election, we reached out to all candidates to understand their stance on protecting safe, accessible abortion access. Unwavering from our values since 1972 that reproductive rights should be non-negotiable, we sought clear commitments from candidates on this critical issue. Here’s what we heard from candidates as of 29/09/2024: Children by Choice – Keep abortion legal!!!
While we deeply acknowledge and have heard that making abortion a crime again is not part of the LNP’s plan if elected, there are risks we cannot ignore. The Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) has made it clear that they intend to introduce a bill to restrict abortion access if given the chance. In matters of ‘life and death’—whether it’s abortion or voluntary assisted dying—both major political parties in Queensland resort to a conscience vote. This means that while the ALP is committed to the Termination of Pregnancy access improvements and the LNP may not have a four-year plan to reduce access to terminations, the Queensland Parliament could be forced into a position that threatens the hard-fought rights of women and pregnant people.
It’s such a shame, and we are bitterly disappointed. The Termination of Pregnancy (Live Births) Amendment Bill previously brought to Queensland Parliament by KAP is still fresh in our minds, especially as we watch the ongoing debates in South Australia and witness attempts to introduce federal legislation around ‘live births.’ This is all unfolding against the backdrop of the U.S. elections and the haunting reversal of Roe v. Wade—reminders that reproductive rights are never fully secure!
Now, more in than the last 6 years since decriminalisation in Queensland, it is time for our community to act! We urge you to reach out to your local candidates, regardless of political persuasion, and ask them where they stand on abortion rights.
Ask them directly: How will you vote if the issue of abortion access is forced into a conscience vote? Will you stand firm to protect reproductive freedom in Queensland?
Here’s how you can help:
-Contact your local candidates and ask them to commit to protecting abortion rights.
-Follow us on social media for updates and ways to get involved.
-Share this message with your networks and encourage others to stand with us in this fight.
-Stay informed by reading reliable news sources and spreading the word.
SOURCE: Children by Choice Newsletter, 11 October 2024