Fed: Abbott denies stirring up abortion debate

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-2004
Fed: Abbott denies stirring up abortion debate

Health Minister TONY ABBOTT has denied stirring up the abortion debate ahead of a British
documentary, which shows an abortion being performed, airing on ABC TV tonight.

Earlier this year Mr ABBOTT said it was a national disgrace that 100,000 abortions
were performed in Australia each year.

Today he's told the Nine Network he's not stirring up the abortion debate, but it would
be wrong for him not to be frank about his views.

He says the interesting thing is that a lot of people who were the great advocates
of choice two decades ago are themselves having second thoughts.

Leading feminists WENDY MCCARTHY and EVA COX have said there should be a public debate
about late-term abortions because of advances in medical technology which can keep some
premature babies alive.

Opposition health spokeswoman JULIA GILLARD has told the Seven Network that Labor has
a conscience vote on abortion, but she's personally pro-choice.

AAP RTV pj/jmt

KEYWORD: ABORTION (CANBERRA)

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