'The good news is that the report recognises that women are fully capable of making their own decisions about abortion.  It also recommends that abortion no longer be a crime in Victoria.'
 
'The report makes a number of general recommendations, plus three models for legislation.' 
 
'The general recommendations are a real win for women and couples.  They provide legal certainty, and legal clarity.  They also enable doctors to make a conscience decision about whether to participate.  I support them in full.'
 
'Of the three models for legislation, the Greens and pro choice groups recommend Model C.  This would bring Victoria in line with the ACT legislation, and would essentially regulate abortion in the same way as other medical procedures.  This is the only option that gives full agency to the woman having the abortion.  It is also the only option consistent with the general recommendations.'
 
'The other two models take away some of the decision making process from the woman and hand it over to doctors.  Model A requires a doctor make judgements regarding a woman's social or economic situation, which doctors are not qualified or required to make for any other medical procedure.  Model B is legally unnecessary, as appropriate procedures are already in place for late abortions.  It would also result in women who have just had terrible medical news about their pregnancy, to have to make a hasty decision before an arbitrary cut-off period.'
 
'The Greens policy on abortion includes a right of access to legal abortion, with access to counselling on personal and medical issues involved.'
 
Further comment: Colleen Hartland  03 9689 6373 or 03 9651 8413