Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House their opposition to the campaign to weaken Queensland legislation to allow termination of pregnancy for any reason at any stage of pregnancy. Abortion is already lawfully provided in Queensland with 10,000-14,000 terminations performed annually with no convictions. Pro-choice Queensland campaigns to remove restrictions on abortion despite their website including these comments regarding late-term terminations. “Late-term abortions are traumatic, they are confronting and they are emotive”; “women living in poverty are more likely to seek access to an abortion later in pregnancy”. Any review of abortion legislation must consider the undisputed negative effects on women’s health and wellbeing following termination, as well as potential coercion if all protections are removed. Vulnerable women and their babies deserve better support and protections. Public opinion has shifted regarding the ethics of termination due to improved ultrasound technology and expert advice, providing a better insight into the humanity of the pre-born child. 10 weeks: the child moves their limbs, vital organs fully functional. 23 weeks: they can hear their mother’s voice. 27 weeks: brain is active, they sleep, wake, their eyes open and close. The baby’s sex can be detected 16-20 weeks raising questions regarding the ethics of sex-selection abortion.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to consider the wellbeing of women and their need for better options and independent support; consider the humanity of the unborn child and their inherent human rights; and reject the removal of restraint on abortion in Queensland.