Media release from Senator Ron Boswell
“Today sees the release of the most comprehensive, up-to-date information on abortion in Australia ever provided. I thank the Minister for Health and his Department for their efforts in replying to my January Questions on Notice,” said Senator Ron Boswell, Leader of the Nationals in the Senate.
“Now that these answers have been tabled in the Senate today, we can have a debate based on the facts, whatever your ethical position.”
“This detailed information means that for the first time, the community will have the means to engage in informed public debate on the very important issue of abortion which has touched so many women and families in Australia.”
“I note that not all questions were able to be answered fully but that reflects the complexity of the issues surrounding abortion. Some states also are proving less forthcoming in wanting to contribute to a well-informed debate by their lack of response to the Department’s efforts to ensure data accuracy.”
“The Prime Minister has sanctioned a public debate on abortion and has set some parameters for policy action so there is no need for fear or alarmist reactions.”
Senator Boswell said that he looked forward to hearing from the Australian community on issues raised by this new information. “Once we’ve all had time to go through these answers in detail and consult stakeholders, I will consider what action might be possible that would have majority support.”
“On first glance, the major facts to come out of these answers include:-
· approximately 90,000 abortions in Australia currently per year
· this compares with 251,161 live births a year, meaning there is one abortion for every 2.8 live births
· more abortions occur in the 30-34 year old age group than in the 15-19 yr age category indicating the high rate is not necessarily a factor of sex education
· there are 811 abortion providers with 205 public hospitals providing abortions
· some “career” abortionists are raking in Medicare rebates – 11 doctors do more than 2,000 Medicare funded abortions per year; that’s an average 38.5 abortions a week or nearly 8 per day (if a 5 day working week);
· for such an important decision in a woman’s life, the lack of information and funding for counselling is an area that must be addressed; I welcome the news that the Department is currently gathering accreditation information on counselling from the states;
· Victoria appears to be the late term abortion capital of Australia; of 210 late term abortions in Victoria only 116 were for reasons of congenital abnormality of the foetus. 103 of these late term abortions were for “psychosocial” reasons. Half of these Victorian psychosocial late term abortions were for non-residents of Victoria.
*Senator Boswell's office can provide a full list of the questions and answers
For further information, please phone 0407 132 284, 0428 450 942, or the Brisbane office (07) 3001 8150
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