Released 02/08/2017 - Joint media release

Joint media release: Chief Minster Andrew Barr MLA and Meegan Fitzharris MLA

Opposition Leader announces that Canberra Liberals have no policy on women’s sexual or reproductive health.

The ACT Legislative Assembly today supported a motion from Member for Ginninderra Tara Cheyne MLA regarding a woman’s right to make the legal health choice to access abortion services in the ACT and calling on the Opposition Leader to clarify his party’s position on a woman’s right to make her own health choices.

“There are myriad reasons why a woman may choose to terminate a pregnancy, or choose not to terminate. It is not our place to judge her reasons or her choice,” Ms Cheyne said.

The motion came after public comments from a number Canberra Liberals members, including the Shadow Health Minister Mrs Vicki Dunne MLA, rejecting a woman’s right to choose. Mrs Dunne was absent from the debate.

The Opposition Leader, Mr Alistair Coe, advised the Assembly that the Canberra Liberals have “no policy” on women’s sexual and reproductive health.

“It is unacceptable that in 2017 that the alternative government does not have a policy view on issues that affect 50 per cent of the population,” Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris MLA said.

“It is particularly disappointing that the Shadow Health Minister purposely absented herself from a debate regarding a critical health issue, especially given her recent public comments,” Ms Cheyne said.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Women, Ms Yvette Berry MLA, said the comments from the Opposition Leader during the debate underlined why the Government needed to be vigilant in protecting women’s rights.

“15 years ago Labor removed this outdated legislation and paved the way for women to be able to find the support and services that they need, without the barbaric threat of a ten year gaol sentence.

“I have great hopes that having more women in ACT Legislative Assembly will lessen the risk to a downgrading of basic rights and protection for women - and ensure policies always protect women and support them to live the lives they want and need to live.”

The ACT Government decriminalised abortion in the ACT in 2002, and introduced exclusion zones around approved medical facilities in 2016.

- Statement ends -

Yvette Berry, MLA | Meegan Fitzharris, MLA | Media Releases

Media Contacts

Name Phone Mobile Email

Kaarin Dynon

(02) 6205 0233

0422 772 215

kaarin.dynon@act.gov.au

Elliot Woods

(02) 6205 0022

0499 993 930

elliot.woods@act.gov.au

Maddie Manning

(02) 6205 0428

0423 092 594

maddie.manning@act.gov.au


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