Termination of Pregnancy Bill 2018

As Minister for Health, moved the second reading and strongly advocated for the bill, arguing termination should be treated as a health issue not a criminal matter, and that women should have reproductive autonomy.

“To say that I am against abortion is to say that I believe in forcing a woman to stay pregnant. It is to say that you do not think that a woman's body and life belong to her.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Spoke against the bill, arguing it fails to protect the unborn and goes too far with its 22-week gestational limit. Cited LNP pre-election commitment not to amend termination laws and overwhelming opposition from his constituents (100 to 1).

“Sadly, this bill fails dismally in searching the heart of this parliament's responsibility to care for the most vulnerable—in this case, the unborn—while maintaining appropriate supports and protections for women facing the most challenging decision of their lives.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

As chair of the Health Committee, strongly supported the bill. Drew on 25 years' experience as a paramedic treating women in dire situations including rape victims, domestic violence victims, and those who attempted self-abortion.

“I believe this is an historic moment in the Queensland parliament as we debate legislation that will finally, after a century, provide women in this state with the right to choose on a matter that is deeply personal for the woman, her GP and her family.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Praised the Attorney-General and QLRC for their work. Supported the bill as addressing an important women's health issue and acknowledged committee members for their respectful deliberations.

“I praise the Palaszczuk government and the Minister for Health for addressing this important women's health issue.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Spoke in favour of the bill, recalling her shock as a teenager discovering termination was criminal in Queensland. Argued the legislation is 119 years old and not reflective of modern medical practice or a free society.

“Access to safe, regulated, high-quality abortion services is a significant women's health issue. We must entrust women with the autonomy to make one of the most important decisions they will ever make—when they will have children.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

As Shadow Health Minister and former nurse, supported removing termination from the Criminal Code but opposed the bill due to concerns about the 22-week limit and late-term abortions for social reasons. Described it as 'a bridge too far'.

“I have no issue with decriminalising abortion in this state. However, the current safeguards in place are there for a reason and should remain so as a health issue.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Supported the bill, arguing women should not face prosecution threats for terminations and that abortion needs to be removed from the Criminal Code. Emphasised women and doctors have the moral capacity to make correct decisions.

“A woman, her partner, her doctor and, if she has faith, her god should be the only ones present at the consultation; there should be no room for a police officer.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Acknowledged the need for reform but opposed this bill, particularly concerned about terminations post 22 weeks and that pregnancy can be terminated for any reason up to 22 weeks. Said abortion should only be performed for medical reasons.

“I cannot in good conscience support a bill that does not reflect the views of my community and does not adequately address my concerns in relation to the welfare of a foetus.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Supported the bill as a committee member, arguing it improves how abortion is regulated and will provide opportunity to improve access to sexual health services for all women across the state.

“I support this bill because it improves the way in which abortion is regulated in this state. It will provide the opportunity to improve access for all women across this state no matter what their situation to a full range of sexual health services.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Opposed the bill as a committee member, arguing babies in the womb deserve legislative protection. Clarified the debate is not about whether termination should be legal but about the specific reforms this bill introduces.

“Let history record that I value a baby in the womb and believe they deserve some sort of legislative protection. I will be voting no to this bill.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Supported the bill, sharing her mother's experience of a dangerous backyard abortion 50 years earlier. Argued for a woman's right to safe access to healthcare, privacy, dignity and choice regarding her own body.

“I support a woman's right to safe access to health care and wellbeing, advice and services, those that every woman needs and deserves when they are pregnant. I support a woman's right to privacy, to dignity and to choice regarding her own body.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

As a specialist physician and father, spoke in favour of the bill despite finding abortion personally distressing. Argued that young women making choices about their own bodies should not be subject to criminal punishment.

“I do not believe in all conscience that young women, in fact any woman, making choices about their own bodies and lives should be numbered among them.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Did not declare explicit support or opposition in her speech. Raised concerns about protections for minors seeking abortions, questioned what happens to children seeking late-term abortions, and asked for clarification on parental notification requirements.

“I respectfully ask those who support the bill to bear this in mind and not sweep minors under a dirt pile of legislation at all costs. This is too important.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Strongly supported the bill, arguing termination should be a health issue addressed with a doctor, not a criminal one. Stated abortion is clearly a health issue with no rational basis for keeping it in the Criminal Code.

“Abortion clearly is a health issue. There is no rational basis for keeping it in the Criminal Code.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Supported the bill and criticised federal Greens Senator Larissa Waters for claiming credit for the legislation. Argued the law needs clarification so doctors and women have certainty about reproductive healthcare.

“We do need to come into this place and ensure that we are clarifying the law in which doctors and women can have certainty about their health care, their reproductive health care and not have the stigma that is placed unfairly on them by having this in the Criminal Code.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Opposed the bill based on overwhelming opposition from constituents. Concerned about on-demand abortions up to 22 weeks and terminations after 22 weeks for social circumstances. Said he would fail in his duty if he ignored his electorate's views.

“Conscience vote or not, if I ignore the overwhelming view that has been relayed to me I would fail in my duty as the elected voice of the constituents of the seat of Condamine.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Supported the bill, noting constituents from both sides agreed women should not be treated as criminals for seeking terminations. Criticised opponents for 'playing God' in suggesting healthy women cannot choose whether healthy babies should live.

“Constituents I met with, whether they identified as pro choice or pro life, were almost all united in acknowledging that women should not be treated as criminals for seeking a termination.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Supported the bill on second reading while acknowledging personal difficulties with abortion. Cited Father Frank Brennan's story about the limits of expecting law to act when individuals choose not to. Said current situation is irrational.

“I do know that the situation we have now is irrational and, as the previous speaker said, has never been used to prosecute a woman in the hundred years or so that it has been in place.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Gave a deeply personal speech opposing the bill, revealing he was an unwanted pregnancy who was fostered out. Argued every baby has a right to live and questioned who has the right to take a life.

“I stand here today as a survivor. If this law were present in those days, I would not be alive to speak on behalf of all of the babies who have the right to live—and I believe that I had the right to live.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

As a former paediatric nurse, supported the bill. Shared experiences of cradling babies with no chance of survival and acknowledged some pregnancies develop problems not compatible with life. Satisfied the bill has necessary protections.

“I am satisfied that this bill will lead to a better Queensland with the necessary protections in place for women and their medical practitioners. I commend the bill to the House.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Strongly opposed the bill on behalf of KAP, arguing it allows abortion up to birth. Cited that 78% of public submissions opposed the bill. Argued KAP supports the sanctity of life and strongly objects to the legislation.

“The KAP made its position clear. We support the sanctity of life and we strongly object to the Termination of Pregnancy Bill.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

As former committee chair who examined earlier abortion law reform inquiries, acknowledged the issue is deeply contested with irreconcilable views. Said she supports some reforms but does not believe this is the right reform.

“We need reform but, in considering my conscience and my community, I do not believe this is the right reform. I am in favour of some of the proposed amendments and I will use my vote to try to achieve a better outcome.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Supported the bill as an historic opportunity to decriminalise termination and place it in the Health Act. Argued the decision to terminate is heartwrenching and not made flippantly for 'social reasons'.

“Whether a termination is carried out for medical or personal reasons, the decision to terminate a pregnancy is a heartwrenching one for women and their loved ones. It is not a decision made flippantly for so-called social reasons.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Agreed termination should not be in the Criminal Code but expressed concerns about the 22-week limit and conscientious objection provisions. Said he would watch the amendment debate before making final decision, inclined not to support.

“In this debate we have heard many say that the termination of pregnancy should not be in the Criminal Code and I totally agree with that. It should not be in the Criminal Code.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Proudly pro-choice, argued women should make decisions about their own health without it being a crime. Noted the laws were written in the 1800s when women could not vote. Called for reproductive autonomy as fundamental to equality.

“Reproductive autonomy is fundamental towards achieving equality. It is time that we get this done for the generations of women who have been fighting for the right to choose, for the women who have died as a result of illegal abortions.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Strongly opposed the bill on behalf of Bundaberg constituents who overwhelmingly contacted him opposing it. Argued the bill has gone too far, removes protection for unborn children, and fails human nature.

“This bill has gone too far and fails human nature. That is why I strongly object to this bill and will be voting against it.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Spoke as a mother, Christian and legislator. Said abortion is sad and deeply personal but should be legal and safe. Supported the bill to ensure her daughters have the choice if they ever need it.

“Whilst I pray they never need to access a termination, I want to ensure that they have the choice.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Strongly opposed the bill, arguing there should be no change to current abortion laws. Described it as an excessive attack on the defenceless unborn child and said his electorate was overwhelmingly against it.

“I will be very clear: I do not agree with the legislation and I believe that the laws should stand as they are. I repeat: there should be no change to the current abortion laws in Queensland.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Opposed the bill, noting his conscience, party position and electorate wishes were in alignment. Said the vast majority of contact from his conservative electorate opposed the bill, with only about 2% in support.

“I am happy to say that my own conscience, and I believe the majority of my own party's conscience, and also the wishes of my electorate are happily in symmetry on this matter.”— 2018-10-16View Hansard

Opposed the bill despite supporting decriminalisation in principle. Argued the 22-week gestational limit is too late and criticised the bill as a 'clever manipulation' that goes beyond simple decriminalisation.

“I will be opposing this bill based on my conscience. Even my good wife said to me in conversation, 'You have to vote for decriminalisation.' When I explained to her the minutiae of the bill she said, 'That's not right. That's not fair.'”— 2018-10-16View Hansard