Fed: Greens want Roxon to intervene in Qld abortion debate

AAP General News (Australia)
08-29-2009
Fed: Greens want Roxon to intervene in Qld abortion debate

CANBERRA, Aug 29 AAP - The Australian Greens have urged federal Health Minister Nicola
Roxon to intervene in Queensland's abortion debate.

Queensland cabinet amended the state's Criminal Code on Monday to protect doctors prescribing
abortion drugs.

The move came after public hospitals, concerned about a coming court case where a young
couple has been charged in relation to a medical abortion, suspended the procedure.

Despite the amendments, hospitals are reportedly refusing to resume terminations and
are sending patients interstate to receive them.

Medical abortions are still technically illegal under Queensland criminal law.

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young called on Ms Roxon to convene an emergency meeting
of all state and territory health ministers and attorneys-general to address the issue.

"The commonwealth has a responsibility to help resolve this legal confusion," she said
on Saturday.

"Women should have the right to access the health services they need, and to be able
to make safe, legal choices."

AAP bsb/cjb/apm

KEYWORD: ABORTION

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