The South Australian Legislative Council has voted against a bill aimed at protecting unborn children beyond 22 weeks and 6 days. The proposal, introduced by Independent Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Sarah Game, was defeated with a vote of 11 to 8. Family First, a political party advocating for pro-life policies, expressed disappointment over the outcome, emphasizing their ongoing commitment to advocate for unborn children’s rights.
The bill sought to restrict late-term abortions, permitting them only when the mother’s life was at risk or in cases of severe fetal anomalies. This measure was introduced following the South Australian Liberals’ controversial legislation in 2021, which led to the introduction of abortion-to-birth provisions under the Termination of Pregnancy Act. Since this law came into effect, 79 healthy unborn babies with non-emergency risks have been legally aborted after the 22-week threshold, raising significant ethical concerns.
Deepa Mathew, Family First’s lead candidate for the South Australian Upper House, stated that the defeat of the bill represents a setback in their mission to ensure meaningful protections for unborn children and improved support for their mothers. Mathew criticized the current practices surrounding late-term abortions, specifically the method of feticide, which entails injecting potassium chloride into the unborn child’s heart. She highlighted that this procedure is performed without administering pain relief, despite evidence suggesting that babies at this gestational age can feel pain.
Family First has been vocal about their position, asserting that if the media accurately reported the realities of late-term abortions, public support for such practices would diminish. In light of this, the party is committed to electing pro-life representatives, beginning with Mathew’s campaign for the upcoming elections in March 2024.
Mathew concluded her statement with determination, asserting that the fight for the rights of unborn children and their mothers will continue despite this legislative setback. The rejection of the bill has stirred considerable debate within South Australia, as advocates on both sides of the issue navigate the complexities surrounding reproductive rights and the ethical implications of abortion practices.
As the political landscape evolves, Family First’s commitment to advocating for pro-life policies remains steadfast, signaling their intention to challenge existing legislation and promote a dialogue around the protection of unborn lives.
