Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

No consensus to change Queensland abortion law, but strong support for safeguards for women

By Alan Baker - posted Friday, 5 November 2010


Now of course the extent of this swing would be dependent on the effectiveness of a pro-life campaign to remind voters of this issue at election time.

A modest education campaign which consisted of pro-life flyers letterboxed by Voters for Life contributed to an average swing of 2.9% against the pro-abortion MPs in Aspley and Algester over and above the statewide swing against the ALP Government at the 2009 Queensland state election.

A similar flyer letterboxed in three Queensland seats (Bonner, Hinkler and Dickson) at the 2010 federal election contributed to an average swing of 2.09% against the pro-abortion ALP candidates over and above the average statewide swing to the Coalition.

Advertisement

When voters are informed at election time that their member of parliament supports abortion for any reason until birth - a position this poll shows only 7% of Queenslanders are comfortable with - it is not at all surprising that this should produce a swing against them.

So fellow On Line Opinion writer Helen Pringle has engaged in wishful thinking in her attempt to downplay abortion as a potential election issue (see Abortion: Don't Blame the Voters).

With 14,000 abortions performed every year in Queensland, abortion is obviously accessible for those women who seek it.

To those who advocate the removal of all restrictions, I would ask: How many abortions are enough?

The main message of this research to Queensland parliamentarians is that instead of pushing for decriminalisation, they should introduce safeguards and support services for women which would reduce the number of unwanted abortions and the consequent harm to women and families.

Women deserve better than abortion.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. Page 3
  5. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

45 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Alan Baker is vice-president of Cherish Life Queensland and president of the Family Council of Queensland.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Alan Baker
Related Links
Abortion: Don't Blame the Voters

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Article Tools
Comment 45 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy