Abortion is an issue that brings out heated emotion on both sides. But even some pro-choice advocates have recognised the inherent cruelty of late-term abortions. At the moment, it is possible for Medicare Funding to be used on late-term abortions, but Tasmanian Senator Guy Barnett wants to change that. His aim is to eliminate all Medicare Funding for abortions performed in the second trimester of pregnancy - from 14 to 26 weeks.
Senator Barnett's move comes as the Victorian Parliament soon debates a bill to decriminalise abortion in Victoria. This bill actually makes it quite easy to access late term abortions.
It’s a difficult topic to discuss and one that can be quite distressing, but it’s a conversation we need to have.
What do you think about Medicare funding being used for late-term abortions? Do you agree with Senator Barnett that tax-payer dollars should not be used for that purpose? Or could there be some circumstances where it’s for the best?
Do you think we provide enough support for women experiencing unwanted pregnancies? Would women make different choices if they had more support?
If you’ve experienced an unplanned pregnancy then you may have found yourself in this terrible position. What decision did you make and how do you feel about it now? If you had your time again, would you do the same?
Leave your comment below.
For Information on the Bills:
www.guybarnett.com
www.makeastand.org.au
Do you need help to deal with an unplanned pregnancy?
Options Plus Care, Pregnancy Counselling Service, Victoria
Ph: (03) 9794 8922 for 24 hour counselling.
Lilly House offers accommodation and assistance for women in Queensland
Ph: (07) 4954 9693
Mercy Ministries
www.mercyministries.com.au
1800 011 537
Do you need help dealing with post-abortion grief?
Rebecca’s Vineyard Retreat
www.rachelsvineyard.org.au
1800 063 510
Comments (2)
Terminations such as those discussed from 14 - 26 weeks are for women referred to gynacologists due to gross physical or other problems of the foetus eg with a severe disability eg ancephalus, spina bifida, severe genetic disorders etc. This should be a matter between herself and her doctor and if the Dr approves the termination Medicare should fund it.
It is not you or Senator Barnett who has to carry a severely disabled foetus or care for a severely disabled baby.
Posted by Caroline | September 4, 2008 10:02 PM
Posted on September 4, 2008 22:02
Every government has a responsibility to be a voice for those who have no voice- in this case, the unborn child. This topic is so full of paradoxes- we get upset over the treatment of chickens in a factory, yet have no qualms about dismembering an alive and kicking human in the "safest place in the world". My heart is so full i cannot find the words to speak. Perhaps this is where the Holy Spirit takes over- when we cant find the words to express the depth of emotion we feel. My only tangible comfort is that these precious little unique humans go straight to heaven where there is no more pain and suffering.
there are other questions to ask: why is the adoption process so hard and so expensive? Why arent women counselled and informed about alternative choices? why arent they warned about the irreversible feelings of guilt and sorrow that will inevitably stay with them their entire lives? i would adopt every unwanted child if i could- my husband and i have adoption in our sights -we already have 2 little girls of our own.
and having medicare fund these late-term abortions? absolutely morally abhorrent. i have no words to express the anger i feel about it. i feel helpless to change it- i have sent off letters to politicians. does it ever help? when did those in office go from being the voice for the unheard, to being the voice of the anti-christ?
Posted by suzan | August 29, 2008 12:57 AM
Posted on August 29, 2008 00:57