Labor's Attack on Conscience - Julian McGauran

When the Abortion Law Reform Act, which is arguably the most liberal in the world, was introduced in Victoria, Australia, the impacts on medical practitioners were immediate. Firstly, doctors who object to abortion are now forced to refer patients to other doctors who are willing to perform such acts and are, secondly, compelled to undertake abortions when ‘[it] is necessary to preserve the life of the pregnant woman’. The right of medical professionals to exercise their own ethical judgment has been thoroughly restricted, which violates Victorian and international human rights. The author views this as changing the moral ‘tenets of [Australian] society’ and as a direct attack on the Catholic healthcare system. Moreover, it reflects the deep influence of the pro-abortion lobby on the Labor Party.

© Quadrant Magazine (Sydney)