Page 853 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 16 June 1992
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One simple fact is forgotten in the emotion of the abortion debate. The procedure to terminate a pregnancy is a safe and relatively simple procedure. The incidence of maternal deaths associated with legal termination of pregnancy has reduced drastically since the days when legal abortions were not available. NHMRC figures show that 45 maternal deaths associated with abortion were reported in the three-year period from 1964 to 1966, compared to one in the 1982 to 1984 period.
Termination of pregnancy is a reflection of our society's failure to provide perfect contraceptive methods, including morning-after contraception and contraception advice. It is important to note the need to assist women in managing their fertility by offering appropriate and accessible information about contraception. In particular, Madam Speaker, we need to develop strategies to get this information to high risk groups - kids in schools, kids on the streets, and disadvantaged women. Material used should be clear and precise, and appropriate for the various target groups. To be effective, Madam Speaker, this information should be prepared by those who best know the needs of those at risk - youth and women's service groups who currently provide counselling and advice, particularly those concerned with women's health services. Madam Speaker, if we can deliver this service effectively, the demand for terminations will decrease - an outcome we would all welcome.
Experience through history has shown that, because of this failure, termination of pregnancy will be carried out regardless of legislative prohibitions. Repeal will mean that some women will continue to choose the option of termination in a hospital setting, but the choice for ACT-based termination of pregnancy services will be wider. Qualified doctors will be able to perform termination of pregnancy in private hospitals, doctors' suites or other locations as they do in New South Wales. Legislation will continue to regulate the way in which medical practitioners perform their professional duties in the ACT. This will act to circumscribe the operations of backyard practitioners, as has been the experience in New South Wales. Madam Speaker, I present the explanatory memorandum for the Bill.
Debate (on motion by Mr Humphries) adjourned.
DOG CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1992
MR WOOD (Minister for Education and Training, Minister for the Arts and Minister for the Environment, Land and Planning) (8.27), by leave: Madam Speaker, I present the Dog Control (Amendment) Bill 1992.
Title read by Clerk.
MR WOOD: Madam Speaker, I move:
That this Bill be agreed to in principle.
The Dog Control (Amendment) Bill 1992 has been developed in response to representations from organised dog clubs that have highlighted the need to provide some flexibility under the legislation to meet the reasonable needs of responsible dog keepers and breeders.
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