Queensland Abortion Legislation Sparks Political Debate Ahead of Election

The debate surrounding abortion laws in Queensland has intensified as the state election approaches, with Robbie Katter, leader of Katter’s Australian Party, pledging to introduce legislation aimed at reversing the 2018 Termination of Pregnancy Act if the Liberal National Party (LNP) gains control. This law had previously decriminalized abortion in Queensland.

Katter has suggested options that include a full repeal of the 2018 act, potentially reverting to the 1899 criminal code where abortion was criminalized. “All I could say is, everything will be on the table because we’re very serious about our position on this,” Katter stated to Guardian Australia, emphasizing a strong legislative push depending on the election results and the number of conservative members elected.

The proposal has sparked concern among proponents of women’s reproductive rights. Jill McKay, CEO of Children by Choice, warned that a repeal could lead to clinic closures and force women to seek safer options across state lines. “If we don’t have the Termination of Pregnancy Act in place, then we return back to the dark ages,” McKay asserted.

David Crisafulli, the LNP’s leader, has faced pressure to clarify his party’s stance on potential abortion law changes but maintained that “there’ll be no change” under his leadership. Crisafulli and LNP Deputy Leader Jarrod Bleijie both opposed the 2018 bill that led to the decriminalization of abortion. “I’m being up-front with you and telling you there will be no change,” Crisafulli reiterated during a campaign stop in Townsville.

Meanwhile, senior Labor figures, including Premier Steven Miles and Health Minister Shannon Fentiman, have utilized social media to express their apprehensions about potential revisions to abortion laws should the LNP assume power. “They are determined to see more MPs elected to wind back a woman’s right to choose and yet David Crisafulli says this is all the Labor scare campaign,” Fentiman commented.

Public discourse has been further fueled by remarks from other LNP members expressing anti-abortion views. Notably, Scenic Rim MP Jon Krause and retiring parliamentarian Mark Robinson have made public statements suggesting that changes to the abortion laws align with their party’s “family values.”

In reaction to Katter’s maneuvers, McKay has called for Crisafulli to block LNP members from a conscience vote on any proposed abortion repeal legislation. “What we’re calling for is to keep our abortion legislation as it is and continue to support access for Queenslanders through the termination of pregnancy action plan,” McKay noted.

The outcome of the October 26 election may vastly shape the legislative direction of abortion laws in Queensland, further inflaming an issue that remains contentious across the political spectrum.