FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9 NOVEMBER 2004
ABORTION IS A WOMANÕS CHOICEÉ..NOT A POLITICIANÕS
The decision for or against an abortion is never easy for a woman and in making the decision the only outside influence in respect of exercising her right of choice, should be consultation with professional medical practitioners and definitely not the private, religious and moral beliefs of politicians.
"Our organisation is pro-choice and believes that the decision to have a termination is a womanÕs personal decision. We believe that all women, regardless of age and income, should have access to un-biased information, emotional support, and the highest medical care when seeking a termination" commented Kay Morrison, newly elected National President of BPW Australia.
"On behalf of all women in the paid and unpaid workforce, BPW Australia is not prepared to see the rights and health of Australian women go backwards".
Current comments by John Anderson (Acting Prime Minister) suggesting Australia needs to re-examine our understanding of medical science and the law, should not be focussed on one issue, abortion, but remain focussed on all issues that come under this scrutiny. The government should encourage discussion on all issues where the relationship between science and law need to be better understood, such as euthanasia, corporal punishment, use of viagra, effects of alcohol, gene technology.
At the end of the day no debate on abortion is required. A woman has the right of choice in making decisions that affect her life, and this should never be undermined or threatened by government ministers. As a government and community we must provide services that allow choice to be made in an environment of knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the decisions, and an environment providing support of her choice whatever the choice is.
"We would like to see further academic research and accurate recording of statistics on abortions, be completed in all States and territories, so that a true non-emotional view can be stated; that increased funding is given to improving the resources and education services at counselling and health clinics, as well as the morning after pill being available for easy purchase over the counter. Only then can we have a reasonable debate about what is happening in our society" concluded Kay.
(ends)
360 words
For further information contact:
Kay Morrison,
President
BPW Australia
(02) 66564156 / Mobile 0411 372164,
or Jan Hardie
Vice President Communications
BPW Australia
Mobile 0403 293421.