Abortion debated in Wollongong

By Leslie Warne

WOLLONGONG -- A debate on abortion was held at Wollongong University on August 20 as part of Blue Stocking Week.

Jill Hickson from the Wollongong Abortion Rights Campaign and state parliamentarian Paul O'Grady supported a woman's right to choose.

NSW Right to Life President Kath Harrigan and spokesperson Dr Amin Abboud focused on the issues of when a foetus becomes a human life and the emotional trauma experienced by women who have an abortion.

Hickson countered by explaining that the concept of the foetus being a human being was a religious belief that had come into existence only at the beginning of the century and is not supported by any medical fact. Any trauma that may be associated with the need for an abortion can only be addressed by its legalisation and the development of good quality, accessible and affordable abortion services.

Paul O'Grady stated that it is a woman's right to choose if she wants an abortion; the only role for a man in the issue is to support the woman's choice. It is the role of the health care system to provide safe access to abortion services.

After the debate many signatures were gathered on a petition calling for the immediate repeal of all laws that make abortion illegal.

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