No conscience vote

No conscience vote

The ALP, the Liberal Party, the Australian Democrats and the Australian Greens all allow their members a conscience vote on abortion, regardless of the policy of the party.

The Democratic Socialist Party has a clear policy in favour of abortion rights, and is the only party that does not allow a conscience vote on the issue. A woman's right to choose is regarded as fundamental to her ability to control her own life, fundamental to her ability to exercise choice in all aspects of her life and a fundamental democratic right.

Spokesperson Pat Brewer told Green Left Weekly, "It must be the sole right of each woman to decide whether or not to prevent or terminate pregnancy. All anti-abortion laws should be repealed. Abortion should be available to all on demand regardless of age, in the venue of their choice — in a specialist clinic or within the public hospital system, with information and support services available and with the cost fully covered by the health-care system.

"Complementary to these demands is the need for safe, reliable contraceptives and sex education. Also key to women's right to choose is the right to bear children if a woman so chooses and adequate services before, during and after the birth of a child."

The DSP opposes non-consensual sterilisation, as well as medical and drug experimentation on women without their full, informed consent.

From GLW issue 140